Content Analysis and Methodological Critique of Articles Concerning Lesbian and Gay Male Issues in Counseling Journals

This study examined research of lesbian and gay male issues in counseling psychology journals. Of the 6,661 studies reviewed from 6 major counseling psychology journals over a 12-year period, 43 (.65%) focused on variables related to lesbian or gay male sexual orientation. The content of the articles demonstrates a perspective of gay male and lesbian acceptance or affirmation. Study samples were composed mostly of university-affiliated, White, East-coast, urban persons. Sexual orientation of study participants was more often assumed than directly ascertained by self-report. The results of content analyses, a methodological critique of the empirical studies, and 12 recommendations for conducting research on issues concerning lesbian women and gay men are presented and discussed.

Duke Scholars

Author Robin Ann Buhrke Psychiatry, Child & Family Mental Health & Community Psychia ...