Sexual Orientation Identity And Its Influence On Student...

Introduction As the student affairs profession develops, it is important to remain aware of how students and their identities are evolving. Higher education is constantly evolving, which is why it is extremely important to take sexual orientation identity and its influence on student development into account. In this paper, I will explore Fassinger’s (1998) sexual orientation identity model and provide an analysis of the theory. I will also share my findings from three interviews with students who are in different stages of sexual identity formation. Finally, I will address how knowledge of Fassinger’s Model and sexual identity development can inform the work of student affairs educators in creating more inclusive college and university environments. Fundamental Ideas Fassinger’s Model is influenced by racial and ethnic identity development models as well as gender identity development models. The theory offers a more inclusive perspective of various individuals in their sexual orientation identity formation (McCarn Fassinger, 1996). Fassinger’s Model was developed in an attempt to address the critiques of previously existing models. Fassinger’s model differs from other preexisting models in that the authors clearly distinguish between the two processes of personal development and group membership of same-sex sexual orientation (Evans et. al, 2010). In contrast to other models, this model uses phases versus stages, in order to provide flexibility and to demonstrate thatShow MoreRelatedSexual Identity And Adolescent Development Essay1464 Words   |  6 PagesAcquiring a sexual identity is very important and critical to the development of adolescents. While neither sexual or gender identity has anything to do with an individua ls’ physical anatomy itself, both have separate, individual meanings. 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