The Invisible Men

Résumé du livre

There is relatively little research and literature on the psychosocial development of gay males. This qualitative study explores the developmental experiences of gay males, as expressed by adult gay male patients, ages 20 to 29, in psychotherapy. Three composite cases were created, drawing upon data from real psychotherapy cases from clinical training experiences, published clinical examples, and fictional details to protect patients' confidentiality. Each of these cases is presented as one key aspect or category of gay male development: validation, belonging, and identity development. Particular attention is paid to these formative developmental experiences. Case material is analyzed qualitatively, through the method of experiential phenomenology, or phenomenology of practice, as explicated by Richards and Morse (2007), van Manen (2007), and van den Berg (1972). The lived experiences of the three cases are addressed phenomenologically. The following themes emerged: (a) dissociation, (b) hypervigilance, (c) anxiety, (d) microaggression, (e) shame, (f) true self/false self, (g) avoidance of self, and (h) invisibility. Implications for psychotherapy with gay male patients are explored and limitations of the study discussed.