Discuss the characteristics of each of the following heterosexual identity statuses: unexplored commitment status, active exploration status, diffusion status, deepening and commitment status, and synthesis status.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Unexplored commitment status describes the tendency for heterosexual individuals to subscribe to prescribed norms of society without examining them. Examples include gender roles and expectations that everybody should be heterosexual. Active exploration status is characterized by a willingness to explore, evaluate, or experiment with alternative sexual experiences that are tested against the dominant group norms. The diffusion status entails no exploration or commitment that leads to crisis. At this status, individuals may become nonconforming to cultural expectations in their sexual life, lack self-understanding and sense of identity. This may lead to active exploration, confusion, and associated mental health issues that may require professional help. The deepening and commitment status is marked by a commitment to identified sexual needs, values, and sexual orientation preference. There is a greater awareness of attitudes toward sexual minorities and the relationship between privilege and sexual orientation oppression. Synthesis status of sexual identity development is the most natural and easy to adapt to. Individuals in this status come to understand heterosexuality as social construct that meets societal definition of normal sexuality. This allows the individual to conceptualize the essence of multiple identities, thus becoming more able to affirm LGBT individual.