| Sexuality has long been considered to be essential, categorical, dichotomous, and stable. However, growing evidence suggests that components of sexuality---sexual attraction, behavior, orientation, identity and emotional attachment---are not always congruent. Newer studies of sexual orientation and sexual identity provide compelling evidence for the flexibility and fluidity of sexuality over the lifespan. Despite findings that women are more likely to experience their sexuality as fluid, fluidity has not been systematically incorporated into models of female sexual identity development. Little is known about how women in general, and lesbians in particular, negotiate sexual fluidity in terms of their sexual identity.; This qualitative study examined the experience of long-time lesbians who, in mid-life, became intimately partnered with a man. In-depth interviews of 11 women were conducted and subjected to thematic and narrative analysis. Data were analyzed inductively within and across cases, using thematic analysis to identify themes as well as attending to language, structure, and organization of the narratives. Material was then organized into overarching themes and integrated into a meaningful whole.; Despite heterogeneity among the participants, common themes characterizing the experience were found. Additionally, the role of meaning-making was found to be central in how the participants subsequently constructed their sexual identity. Some women retained their lesbian identity, others claimed a bisexual identity, and still others had no language to describe their sexual identity. While some chose to use existing sexual identity labels, others did not. A new model of sexual identity construction, derived from the data, is presented, showing how social and personal constructions of sexual identities are used to create idiosyncratic sexual identities that fit the individual. Theoretical, clinical, and ethical implications of this research are reviewed.; The study provides support for sexual identity construction as a process that, for some, is engaged in over the lifespan, as opposed to a one-time event. It enhances our understanding of the psychological impact of sexual fluidity on the identity and lives of adult lesbians. Further, this study contributes to clinicians' ability to support the well-being of sexually fluid clients. |
