Rietveld, Johanna (2025) “I Love You for You no Matter”: Managing the Parent-Child Relationship Through Relational Identity Claims in Coming-Out Conversations. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
The conversation within the parent-child relationship regarding the coming-out of the child is a moment for potential relational strain and repair. Previous research has studied relational dynamics retrospectively, but how conflict management is constructed through conversations in real-time has never been studied. This study addresses this gap using real-time coming-out conversations between parent and child, to unravel how relational identity claims are constructed to manage the parent-child relationship after coming-out. A qualitative, observational study was conducted, drawing on symbolic interactionism and discursive psychology, both grounding relational identity-work. Data consisted of nine coming-out conversations between gay men and one parent, posted voluntarily on YouTube and transcripts were analyzed using Iterative Micro-Identity Content Analysis. Recurrent relational identity claims showed two key patterns emerging from the data: affection as repair by the parent and the relationship positioned as a safe space to talk by the child. Findings highlight the importance of the parent-child relationship in coming-out conversations and deepen the understanding of the management of conflict induced through coming-out in real-time. Future research can further explore conflict management in conversations with sensitive disclosures in all sorts of relationships.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Gmelin, J.H. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 13 Jan 2026 10:15 |
| Last Modified: | 13 Jan 2026 10:15 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/6054 |
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