Gaymers unite!: attachment and online social support for lesbian, gay, and bisexual gamers

Abstract

Research on the links between attachment insecurity, nondisclosure of sexual orientation, and negative identity of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals suggests that attachment insecurity may be associated with perceptions of social support. However, LGB individuals who report high perceptions of social support tend to report better general health, more disclosure of sexual orientation, and less distress related to their sexual orientation than those who report low perceptions of social support. With the availability of online gaming and the social relationships that can thereby develop, LGB players may use game play to develop strong, healthy social support systems - especially if these individuals do not disclose or do not feel safe disclosing their sexual orientation to those in their immediate environments. The current study investigated the link between reports of outness and internalized homonegativity/binegativity (internalized negativity) and the moderating effects of attachment on perceptions of social support and symptomatology of lesbian, gay, and bisexual gamers. Findings suggest attachment acts as a moderator for the effects of internalized negativity and outness on symptomatology. Additionally, these findings demonstrate a secure romantic attachment style may not contribute to lower levels of internalized negativity. This could suggest individuals' perception of self, in relation to their ability to have their needs met in relationships, is independent of their perception of their sexual orientation.