[Lesbian women's health-promoting experiences].

BACKGROUND

For lesbian women, we know more about causes of health problems than health-promoting factors. The aim of this study was to explore what lesbian women have perceived as health-promoting experiences.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Focus group study with two group interviews (with nine lesbian women aged 40-55 years). Participants were required to be "out of the closet" regarding sexual orientation and to feel comfortable with their lives as lesbians. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed with systematic text condensation supported by a salutogenic frame of reference.

RESULTS

The women told about how a perception of being different could translate into opportunities and a positive strength. A good "coming-out process" could lead to companionship and strategies for coping with challenges. Furthermore, feelings of exemption from expectations of a narrow gender role had a positive impact on identity and sexuality. Finally, the liberating consequences of being able to organize personal relationships and family according to own priorities opened up new possibilities, especially regarding choosing to have children or not.

INTERPRETATION

Health promoting strategies and initiatives must be grounded in what individuals consider to be important in their own lives. Knowledge about lesbians' health-promoting experiences may contribute to a positive focus on coping with minority stress and challenge an established understanding of pathology in a marginalized group.