Attachment Orientations among Lesbian/Bisexual Women and Gay/Bisexual Men in Mainland China: A Systematic Review
Main Article Content
Keywords
attachment theory, sexual minorities, lesbian, gay, minority stress
Abstract
Attachment theory has been widely applied to research on interpersonal relationships and emotional development. In recent decades, increasing attention has been paid to attachment orientations among sexual minority populations, particularly lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. However, most existing studies have been conducted in Western societies (e.g., North America and Europe), while research focusing on Mainland China remains limited. The present systematic review examines existing literature on attachment orientations among sexual minorities in Mainland China, with particular attention to potential differences between lesbian/bisexual women and gay/bisexual men. A total of 32 studies were included in the review, encompassing theoretical discussions, Western empirical studies, and cultural analyses, as no direct empirical research on attachment orientations among sexual minorities in Mainland China was identified. The reviewed literature indicates that attachment insecurity among sexual minorities may be associated with minority stress, identity concealment, family expectations, and cultural norms surrounding marriage and filial obligation. Existing research on Mainland China remains heavily concentrated on public health issues and gay male populations, while research on lesbian and bisexual women is significantly underrepresented. The review also suggests that Chinese cultural values may shape attachment experiences differently from Western contexts. This study identifies key research gaps and highlights the need for culturally sensitive and gender-inclusive research on attachment among sexual minorities in Mainland China.
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