A Narrative Investigation of Asexual Identity Formation and Well-Being
The purpose of this study is to examine the life experiences of asexual individuals, and the role that these life experiences play in asexual identity development. This study builds on previous research with asexual people by being the first to apply a narrative identity framework, which allows for the systematic and quantitative study of the narrative content of asexual identities, the narrative processes in developing an asexual identity, and infer whether the narrative content and processes in asexual identity development is important for their well-being.
The purpose of this study is to understand the content and processes of asexual identity formation and examine how these relate to asexual people’s well-being. Given that the asexual identity and community has only recently increased in visibility within mainstream society, research with asexual people is in its infancy. The small (but growing) body of research with asexual people has largely focused on establishing the prevalence of asexual people in the population and capturing their diverse characteristics and experiences. Research into their identity development is limited to a handful of qualitative studies. These studies suggest that the process of forming an asexual identity can be threatening to the self at first, but can then lead to positive growth and well-being. The current study builds on previous research with asexual people by quantitatively and systematically studying the content and process of asexual identity development and applying a narrative identity framework. Research from this framework provides evidence that developing a coherent and integrated self is critical to psychological health. However, researchers in the field of identity development have yet to include asexual individuals. This will be the first study to do so.
Team Members:
Alvi Dandal, M.A.
Principal Investigator
Doctoral Student
Applied Psychology & Human Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in EducationJ. Roy Gillis, Ph.D.
Committee Supervisor
Associate Professor
Applied Psychology & Human Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in EducationRoy Moodley, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Associate Professor
Applied Psychology & Human Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in EducationLori Ross, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Associate Professor
Social & Behavioural Health Sciences Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health