University Daily Kansan, January 21, 1983
Page 9
Prof advises gays to come out
By ANNE FITZGERALD Staff Reporter
Coming out of the closet is a monumental step for most homosexuals, Michael Storns, chairman of the department of psychology), said yeshir.
Except for those who come out in negative ways, most gays use common sense in taking that step. Storms are a common meeting of Gav and Lesbian Services.
"The further out a person is, the better adjusted and less neurotic they are."
STORMS PUBLICLY acknowl- edged his homosexuality in 1973.
He and a group of KU graduate students did a study last summer of the effects of age and self-disclosure on homosexuals.
Storms said they were surprised to find that older homosexuals are better adjusted.
"It flew in the face of the stereotype of the lonely old man sitting on a park bench feeding pipiens," he said.
but other findings agreed with what they had expected — that the more open homosexuals are, the
their sexuality, the more psychologically healthy they are.
"Low anxiety is correlated with being out," Storms said.
The study measured the levels of anxiety among homosexuals and the extent to which they conceal or reveal their homosexuality.
"UP UNTIL THE MID-1970s, it was absolutely taken for granted by most people in society that homosexuality was a form of mental illness and should be correlated with psychological maladjustment." Storms said.
Not until then did researchers begin to gather data on that assumption, he said.
"In study after study, no mental health differences were found between homosexuals and heterosexuals." be said.
Storms said that both the American Psychological and Psychiatric associations had then been forced to stop calling homosexuality a mental ill
But those who were upset about being homosexuals were still perceived as more psychologically disturbed than heterosexuals. Storms
said, even though their mal-adjustment was due in large part to societal rejection.
STORMS AND JEANNE Miranda, a Wendell, Idaho, graduate student in psychology, refuted that perception in a paper presented at the annual convention of the American Psychologist in Washington, D.C. last August.
"I'm convinced that a lot of the anxiety people in the close have is paranoia," he said. "It's exaggerated when they say it 'I'll happen if you come out of the closet.'"
He said that, even if people who came out were rejected by straight friends, they found out that they could survive.
Another aspect of coming out is the greater likelihood of meeting role models and finding new friends who are prepared to lead. Well-advised lives, said Storms.
"Our sexuality has tinted that reach all areas of life," he said.
Although some close homosexuals might function well in other areas of their lives, not being open about their sexuality would almost certainly have a negative influence on them, he said.
- Five day's lift tickets & ski rental
- Super Condos at THE RANCH on the mountain
- Sleeper Bus transportation
- Accident insurance, wine & cheese party
- Accident insurance, wine & cheese party and complimentary refreshments on bus.
841-8386
PENCE GARDEN CENTER WEST
OPEN 10-6 M thru FRI.
9-6 SAT.
SUNDAY 12-5
914 W. 23rd
LEASE A LEMON
Lovely Car for Rent
A1 Avenue of the Americas
69.95 per day
1 at 50 miles FREE
A1 Auto Care Institute
A1 Auto Care Institute
Westminster High School
10am - 7pm each day
New York - New York
Los Angeles - Los Angeles
Amsterdam - Amsterdam
LA - LA
LOCATION: 749-4225 841-0188
FURNITURE RENTALS
Complete furnishings for (1)
bedroom apartments as low as
$35 a month. From studies to
luxury townhouses, or
individual item leasing. Wide
selection of quality brand name
furniture with guaranteed
prompt delivery.
Visit our showroom at:
THOMPSON-CRAWLEY
FURNITURE RENTALS
520 E. 120 Tern. 841-5212
Subman Delivers every night 5-12 841-3268
We're fast!
minimum order $5.75
VISA & MASTER
CARD WELCOME
WE HONOR COUPONS ON IN STORE MERCHANDISE
RS.
749-1689 2247 LA.
2 Liter Coke, Tab 99c
6pk. 7up, RC, Squirt 1.49
6pk. Coke, Tab 1.79
Lays Potato Chips 8 oz. Bag 95c
5# C&H Sugar 1.65
4-Roll Pkg. Northern 1.19
Vancamps Pork-n-Beans 16oz. 39c
Wishbone Dressing 79c
Tony's Pizza 1.39
So Dri Towels 69c
Folgers Coffee 2.49
Kraft Mac-n-Cheese 39c
Oxydol 49c 2.14
Strong Heart Dogfood .23c
9 Lives Cat Food .39c
Deli Sandwiches
King Oil 20W & 30W 89c
Cold Beer
King Coffee Mug 99c W/Coffee
Refills 10c
Dips
Diesel
Ice
Lots Of In Store Specials
CIGS.
REGS, 6.98 ctn.
100's 7.18 ctn.
CHECK US OUT
FOOTLIGHTS INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE 20% to 70% OFF EVERYTHING!
Sale includes:
- Pente
- Ceramic masks - Jewelry
- Balloons
- Cards
- Prisms
- Wall hangings
- Gag gifts
- Games
- Gift wrap
- Note Pads
And much, much more!
Sale begins this Thursday and runs through Saturday Open late until 8 p.m.on Thursday and Friday
25th and Iowa
FOOTLIGHTS
841-6377
FUNK UP YOUR FACE
SUNGLASSES one day service 4 East 7th St.
SPECTRUM
OPTICAL
FUNGLASSES
repairs
841-1113