Conceptualizing outness through sexual minority disclosure narratives

Outness refers to the degree to which one self-discloses or expresses one’s personal identity (Klein, 2014). The concept of outness was first conceptualized as a stage in identity development (Cass, 1979; McCarn & Fassinger, 1996). Recent literature shows support for coming-out as a dynamic process that can vary depending on various social factors (e.g., culture, social support) as well as internal factors (e.g., motivation; Jhuang, et al., 2011; Klein, et al., 2015). This study aims to establish a model of outness using sexual minority disclosure experiences to capture the various domains in encompasses as well as provide researchers with a comprehensive definition of outness. Sexual minority disclosure narratives were collected through social media pages/forums. Responses were coded separately by two graduate-level researchers using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) methods of identifying themes within psychological-related narratives. After coding separately, researchers compared codes and combined the codes into potential themes and sub-themes that identify patterns within the narratives. Specifics of the themes and sub-themes were refined and given clear names for each. Results from 30 disclosure narratives reveal three main themes that conceptualizes the coming-out process: Disclosure Recipients, Disclosure Considerations, and Disclosure Methods

Cross-cultural adaptation and determination of the reliability and validity of PRTEE-S (Patientskattad Utvärdering av Tennisarmbåge), a questionnaire for patients with lateral epicondylalgia, in a Swedish population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In Sweden, as well as in Scandinavia, there is no easy way to evaluate patients' difficulties when they suffer from lateral epicondylitis/epicondylalgia. However, there is a Canadian questionnaire, in English, that could make the evaluation of a patient's pain and functional loss both quick and inexpensive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the questionnaire "Patient-rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation" into Swedish (PRTEE-S; "Patientskattad Utvärdering av Tennisarmbåge"), and to evaluate the reliability and validity of the test.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The Patient-rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation was cross-culturally adapted for the Swedish language according to well-established guidelines. Fifty-four patients with unilateral epicondylitis/epicondylalgia were assessed using the PRTEE-S (Patientskattad Utvärdering av Tennisarmbåge), the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire, and the Roles & Maudsley score to establish the validity and reliability of the PRTEE-S. Reliability was determined via calculation of the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) the internal consistency was assessed by Cronbach's alpha, and validity was calculated using Spearman's correlation coefficient.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The test-retest reliability, using the PRTEE-S (Patientskattad Utvärdering av Tennisarmbåge) intraclass correlation coefficient, was 0.95 and the internal consistency was 0.94. The PRTEE-S correlated well with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (r = 0.88) and the Roles & Maudsley score (r = 0.78).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The PRTEE-S (Patientskattad Utvärdering av Tennisarmbåge) represents a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate the subjective outcome in Swedish speaking patients with lateral epicondylitis/epicondylalgia, and can be used in both research and clinical settings.</p