The Construction of Shame and Pride: A Grounded Theory Model of Identity, Emotions, and Wellbeing among Sexual Minority Adolescents

This study explored the development and impact of shame and pride among sexual minority adolescents (SMA) to better understand emotions as psychosocial mechanisms of wellbeing. Shame and pride are salient to understanding the experiences of SMAs because American society has culturally constructed their identities to be dichotomized as shameful and something to be hidden, or prideful, and something to be celebrated. However, little empirical research has been conducted to understand the influence these emotions have on this population. This study conducted a secondary qualitative analysis of life-history interviews from 36 racially diverse SMAs. The grounded theory model suggests shame and pride emerge through an interaction between social reality, life experiences of minority stress and resilience, and perceptions of self. Furthermore, these emotions influenced health behaviors through the way they were managed. Findings are discussed in light of current literature and implications for research and practice are shared.