User:Mfajardo2/Questioning (sexuality and gender)

Adults
Because of the fluidity of identity and sexuality, exploration and questioning can also occur in adulthood. Studies have shown that adults spanning from ages 18 to 75 years can identify a shift in their attractions and/or gender-identity throughout their lifetime. In a survey research participated by self-identified transgender and gender-nonconforming adults, 58.2% reported having changed attractions in their lifetime. In a longitudinal study with participants made up of polyamorous and monogamous adults with varying sexual identities and sexual orientation, 34% of participants reported some kind of sexuality shift throughout the experiment and just over 10% of participants shifted between the seven coded sexual identity categories.

Being surrounded by a heteronormative and non-queer friendly environment is one factor that can delay or prevent an individual from questioning or exploring their sexual orientation and identity. A study found that the absence of accurate and positive LGBTQ+ information and discussions are strongly associated with higher levels of stress in adults who are in the questioning or exploration process.

Heterosexual Women
In comparison to heterosexual-identified men and both sexual minority-identified men and women, heterosexual-identified women in particular are more likely to be in an identity development phase called identity foreclosure, a non-explorative state where the individual has yet to question a part of their identity including their sexual orientation or gender. Often resulting in the adoption of the default sexual standard of society, committing to heterosexuality without question. One reason why women are prone to this state is due to the lack of empowerment given to females because of the patriarchal nature of society. Adrienne Rich writes about how society encourages heterosexuality in all aspects of female livelihood in her essay, “Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence” by not only shaping institutions to provide social and economic benefits for adopting the heterocentric mindset but while also creating barriers to behaviors that challenge the standard, including homosexuality.

When looking into events or behaviors that may begin exploration or questioning among young women, a study composed of female college students was able to categorize 5 events that had induced the questioning process within them. Among the five, the most popular experiences revolved around being surrounded by a more positive and open LGBTQ-friendly community, and self-assessments of same-sex behavior. Examples of such self-assessments would involve reflecting on their feelings after kissing a female or comparing that experience to their feelings towards men.