The Experience of Loneliness Among Gay Men in Israel

A Qualitative Study

Bibliographic Data

ID3632701
AuthorsGolan Kromholz (Bar-Ilan University, corresponding author), Adi Barak (0000-0003-0867-2007, Bar-Ilan University)
Year2023
Volume70
Issue12
Pages2784-2805
Publication date2023-10-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Homosexuality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0091-8369 • E-ISSN: 1540-3602
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00918369.2022.2076575
PMID35604306
OpenAlexW4281401212
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited66

The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the experience of loneliness among Israeli gay men in their early and mid-adulthood, ages 30-50 (N = 14). The findings demonstrate three main categories of loneliness that study participants experienced: childhood loneliness as an initial experience of gay identity; loneliness in the context of other gay men, via sexual encounters, friendships, and the use of dating apps; and loneliness in the context of heterosexual society. The findings point to the centrality of the experience of loneliness among Israeli gay men in their mid-adulthood years and emphasize how this loneliness is rooted in socio-cultural and political perceptions concerning hetero-normative as well as gay identities

Context (archaeology · Developmental psychology · Ethnic group · Loneliness · Normative · Perception · Qualitative research · Sociology · Health disparities and outcomes · Homelessness and Social Issues · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Social Psychology