Shame in Sexual Minorities: Stigma, Internal Cognitions, and Counseling Considerations

Theorists, clinicians, and researchers have suggested that shame is a central concern in the lives of sexual minority individuals. Cognitive theorists believe that shame occurs when a person fails to achieve his or her standards, which are often based on social, cultural, and spiritual values. Altho...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Counseling and values 2013-04, Vol.58 (1), p.85-103
Main Authors: Johnson, Veronica R. F, Yarhouse, Mark A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cognition & reasoning
Counseling
Counseling Techniques
Emotions
Homosexuality
Minority & ethnic groups
Minority Groups
Negative Attitudes
Psychological Patterns
Schemata (Cognition)
Sexual Identity
sexual minority
shame
Social Bias
stigma
Values
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Summary:Theorists, clinicians, and researchers have suggested that shame is a central concern in the lives of sexual minority individuals. Cognitive theorists believe that shame occurs when a person fails to achieve his or her standards, which are often based on social, cultural, and spiritual values. Although it is asserted that stigma causes shame among members of a sexual minority, the empirical evidence suggests that negative internal cognitions are partly responsible. By targeting negative beliefs, counselors can help sexual minorities reduce their sense of shame, particularly around issues related to sexual identity. The authors offer counseling strategies for reducing shame in sexual minority clients.
ISSN:0160-7960
2161-007X
DOI:10.1002/j.2161-007X.2013.00027.x