Understanding social constructivism of intimacy and isolation among heterosexuals and homosexuals

Abstract

The present study explored and understood the psychosocial stage of intimacy and isolation for participants belonging to Indian background. It took a social constructivist perspective to identify the ideas pertaining to “lived experiences” of the participants. The study took place in two stages. The first stage consisted of a focused group discussion with six individuals. Nine participants from an urban background between the ages of 21-35 years were interviewed in the second phase of the study. A thematic model of data analysis was used to explore the ideas from the descriptions provided. Upon analysis, major themes pertaining to their meaning, people involved, emotions felt and the reasons were found for the intimacy and isolation statuses of the participants. A comparison between the constructions of heterosexual and homosexual participants was explored and several important ideas and themes were reported. Among the homosexual participants, issues of identity and self were identified. The study also looked at the thematic differences between male and female participants which only differed on two of the themes, namely the “impact of intimacy and isolation” and “meaning of intimacy”. Implications of the research have been discussed in the light of clinical and healthcare interventions as well as to empower the homosexual community in the country against the prevailing stigma. Further, limitations of the present study and recommendations have been mentioned.