Conceptual Framework: Resilient Individual
Running Head: Conceptual Framework
Conceptual Framework:
Resilient Individual
Shelton Land
Virginia Commonwealth University
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ESSAY:
RESILIENT INDIVIDUAL
Introduction
The crossing of genders has been a hurdle that society has stumbled to accept since the beginning of time. Early hypotheses about the so-called cause of homosexuality originated from the psychodynamic perspective that men became gay because of a dysfunctional family system in which they were emotionally enmeshed with their mothers and had a distant relationship with their father. As a result, the thought of changing one’s sex immediately becomes a staple of criticism, despite the psychological effect it could have on the individual.
Yet, Imani, a man who lives life as a woman, successfully copes with work, intimate relationships, family and peer relationships, and has developed a positive assessment of self. Imani is a resilient, creative, and resourceful individual, who has overcome societal myths that a transgender cannot function normally in society. Thus, this essay will attempt to outline Imani’s life journey and compare it to Hutchinson’s (2008) common risk and protective factors, while revealing how she copes with personal and professional relationships according to Werner and Smith (2001) ratings of the quality of adult adaptation and what she attributes her success.
Six Criteria of Coping
Understanding and coping with cultural differences becomes crucial when attempting to come out about gender or sexual identity. Social constructionist perspective suggests that “sexual orientation unfolds within a context of environmental or social influences” (Morrow & Messinger, 2006, pp.161).
Growing up poverty stricken, Imani learned to cope at an early age. The eldest of six, Imani grew up without a positive male role model and poor, while dealing with sexual desires for the same sex. “I use to pretend like I was attracted to girls because that was the
Conceptual Framework:
Resilient Individual
Shelton Land
Virginia Commonwealth University
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ESSAY:
RESILIENT INDIVIDUAL
Introduction
The crossing of genders has been a hurdle that society has stumbled to accept since the beginning of time. Early hypotheses about the so-called cause of homosexuality originated from the psychodynamic perspective that men became gay because of a dysfunctional family system in which they were emotionally enmeshed with their mothers and had a distant relationship with their father. As a result, the thought of changing one’s sex immediately becomes a staple of criticism, despite the psychological effect it could have on the individual.
Yet, Imani, a man who lives life as a woman, successfully copes with work, intimate relationships, family and peer relationships, and has developed a positive assessment of self. Imani is a resilient, creative, and resourceful individual, who has overcome societal myths that a transgender cannot function normally in society. Thus, this essay will attempt to outline Imani’s life journey and compare it to Hutchinson’s (2008) common risk and protective factors, while revealing how she copes with personal and professional relationships according to Werner and Smith (2001) ratings of the quality of adult adaptation and what she attributes her success.
Six Criteria of Coping
Understanding and coping with cultural differences becomes crucial when attempting to come out about gender or sexual identity. Social constructionist perspective suggests that “sexual orientation unfolds within a context of environmental or social influences” (Morrow & Messinger, 2006, pp.161).
Growing up poverty stricken, Imani learned to cope at an early age. The eldest of six, Imani grew up without a positive male role model and poor, while dealing with sexual desires for the same sex. “I use to pretend like I was attracted to girls because that was the
References: Hutchinson, E. D. (2008). Dimensions of human behavior: The changing life course (3rd ed). Kane-DeMaios, J. & Bullough, V. L. (2006). Crossing Sexual Boundaries: Transgender Journeys, Uncharted Paths Mallon, G. P. (2008). Social work practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people (2nd ed.) Morrow, D. F. & Messinger, L. (2006). Sexual orientation and gender expression in social work. Werner, E. & Smith, R. S. (2001). Journeys from childhood to midlife. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.