The Social Implications of Sexual Identity Formation and the Coming-Out Process: A Review of the Theoretical and Empirical Literature

Current research on publicly communicating one’s sexual orientation (heretofore referred to as “coming-out”) and sexual identity formation models are examined within the two prevalent theoretical orientations: essentialism and social constructionism. Aspects of both theories find support in the empirical literature reviewed. Carrion and Lock’s stage model of sexual identity formation is described and used as a template. The discovery process will be discussed and three coming-out audiences identified. Relationships between the individual coming out and the identified audiences exist in a dynamic and fluid environment. Data suggest that perceptions of the relationship climate can affect the coming-out process. Implications for family therapists and couples counselors are provided in the conclusion of the article. More research with diverse samples is needed to further understand the process of coming-out and identity formation.