TY - JOUR
T1 - The Identification and Structure of Strengths within the LGBTQIA+ Community
T2 - A Qualitative and Empowered Thematic Investigation
AU - Klibert, Jeffrey J.
AU - DiGregorio, Nikki
AU - Houseman, Hayley
AU - Shields, Michaela
AU - Edward, Donovan
AU - Murphy, Ellen
AU - van Zyl, Llewellyn
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.
PY - 2025/6
Y1 - 2025/6
N2 - This paper employs a thematic analysis guided by the principles of empowerment methods to define and describe strengths within LGBTQIA + communities. It also investigates how the Three-Pillar Model and its extensions capture culturally bound expressions of strengths. Semi-structured interviews (N = 25) were conducted with LGBTQIA + adults residing in medically underserved areas. Codebook thematic analysis, or medium Q thematic analysis, resulted in five themes representing identity-based strengths (inclusive growth/learning, zest/hope, love/empathy, justice/fairness, courage/bravery), three themes reflecting positive subjective experiences with adaptability (stress-related growth, resilience, coping resources), four secondary subjective experience themes (kinship, general support, self-acceptance processes, general positive subjective experiences), and two inductive themes (pride, meaning in life). While some relational and adaptation strength themes overlapped with concepts underlying the Three-Pillar Model and complimentary work, culturally salient expressions of strength, such as pride and kinship, were highlighted in our model. Results characterize the interconnected pathways through which strength resources promote well-being and identify key mechanisms (pride, savoring) supporting identity affirmation.
AB - This paper employs a thematic analysis guided by the principles of empowerment methods to define and describe strengths within LGBTQIA + communities. It also investigates how the Three-Pillar Model and its extensions capture culturally bound expressions of strengths. Semi-structured interviews (N = 25) were conducted with LGBTQIA + adults residing in medically underserved areas. Codebook thematic analysis, or medium Q thematic analysis, resulted in five themes representing identity-based strengths (inclusive growth/learning, zest/hope, love/empathy, justice/fairness, courage/bravery), three themes reflecting positive subjective experiences with adaptability (stress-related growth, resilience, coping resources), four secondary subjective experience themes (kinship, general support, self-acceptance processes, general positive subjective experiences), and two inductive themes (pride, meaning in life). While some relational and adaptation strength themes overlapped with concepts underlying the Three-Pillar Model and complimentary work, culturally salient expressions of strength, such as pride and kinship, were highlighted in our model. Results characterize the interconnected pathways through which strength resources promote well-being and identify key mechanisms (pride, savoring) supporting identity affirmation.
KW - n/a OA procedure
KW - Positive Psychology
KW - Qualitative Design
KW - Strength
KW - Three-Pillar Model
KW - LGBTQIA +
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105007541419
U2 - 10.1007/s41042-025-00234-0
DO - 10.1007/s41042-025-00234-0
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:105007541419
SN - 2364-5040
VL - 10
JO - International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology
JF - International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology
IS - 2
M1 - 40
ER -