Revisiting Feminist Identity Development Theory, Research, and Practice

The model of feminist identity development proposed by Downing and Roush in 1985 is revisited as a potentially useful framework in counseling psychology theory, research, and practice. An examination of the historical context from which the model arose illustrates how it advanced theory in the psychology of women. A critical review of the extant empirical literature is generally supportive of the model's original tenets and is indicative of its promise for application to practice. However; measurement and methodological concerns point to the need for more research, especially on the model's relevance to more diverse populations. Recent social and scientific advances inform future directions for theory, research, and practice.

Methodological and Content Review of Lesbian-, Gay-, and Bisexual-Related Articles in Counseling Journals: 1990-1999

Despite the reduction of overt heterosexist biases in the psychological literature, questions exist about the content and methodology of articles on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) issues in the counseling literature. This study provides a content and methodological analysis of 119 LGB-related articles that were published in eight major counseling journals from 1990-1999 and extends past reviews by examining issues related to bisexuality. Increasing integration of LGB issues in the counseling literature was apparent, as were methodological improvements in empirical research. Various limitations also emerged, such as the need for more theory-based research, instrument development, and attention to within-group differences (e.g., bisexual people and LGB people of color). Findings are discussed against the backdrop of the sociopolitical context of American psychology, with an emphasis on implications for future LGB-related research, practice, and training.

The Relations Among Feminist Identity Development, Gender-Role Orientation, and Psychological Well-Being in Women

This study examined relations between feminist identity development, gender-role orientation, and psychological well-being in 244 women of varying ages and backgrounds. As hypothesized, both feminist identity development and gender-role orientation contributed independently to the explanation of variance in psychological well-being. Instrumentality, expressiveness, and a more developed feminist identity were all related positively to psychological well-being. In addition, instrumentality and a more developed feminist identity were correlated positively. Implications of these findings as well as limitations and future directions are discussed.

Productivity in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Scholarship in Counseling Psychology: Institutional and Individual Ratings for 1990 Through 2008

This study examined individual and institutional productivity in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) scholarship published in counseling psychology—oriented journals for the years 1990 through 2008. Eight journals were included in the analyses. An author-weighted score was calculated for each scholar, using a formula developed by Howard, Cole, and Maxwell. To determine the impact of authors’ work, h indices were calculated for the most productive scholars. Finally, institutions publishing LGBT scholarship were proportionally ranked, consistent with the work of Tinsley and Tinsley. Twenty-nine authors and 13 institutions emerged as leaders in LGBT scholarship. Data on percentage of articles published in each journal, as well as trends over time, are presented. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.