Chichun Lin

• Doctor of Psychology
• Professor (Assistant) at University of Winnipeg

The gay male community has changed dramatically over time, from appearing only in specific locations (e.g., gay enclaves) to becoming virtual communities. Chinese gay virtual communities first emerged on scattered Websites (e.g., blogs and chat rooms) but now lie on Facebook, which provides a place to post a profile (e.g., photo and basic informati...

The number of Chinese gay males in Asia and overseas is approximately 27 million; however, the study of family, couple, and community relationships regarding this population is lacking. This study aims to explore knowledge about the dominant values of Chinese gay males in three relationships. Based on the lens of social learning theory and symbolic...

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ or LGBTQ+ if the latter context includes other identities) individuals tend to experience high levels of minority stress, which might increase their mental health challenges. Especially for LGBTQ individuals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), they might additionally experience inadequa...

During the COVID-19 pandemic, LGBTQ/2S+ youth globally reported experiencing loss of social supports, substance use, and mental health challenges. However, little is known about the experiences of Canadian LGBTQ/2S+ youth in this period. The present study aimed to explore the challenges and changes experienced by Canadian LGBTQ/2S+ youth during the...

Gay bear refers to a burly gay man with a hirsute body and face. Chinese gay bear men are highly homogeneous and strictly emphasize a uniform bear appearance; however, obesity is an obvious health issue in this population. This study aims to explore the Chinese gay bear men's inner conflicts between bear identity and health concerns. Eleven Chinese...

Cisgender sexual minority girls report an earlier average age at first sex than cisgender heterosexual girls, but little is known about these first experiences with sex. As part of a larger study to develop a sexual health intervention for cisgender sexual minority girls, this analysis explored the context of first sexual experiences of 48 cisgende...

This study explored how mentoring begins and the benefits provided for African American sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) youth. Participants were mentors and mentees living in three Mid-Atlantic cities. Mentees (ages 15–21, n = 14) identified as African American; cisgender male, transgender female, or non-binary assigned male; and had sexual int...

This study explored Chinese gay men's barriers to counseling services through a basic interpretive qualitative methodology. Twelve participants attended interviews of 40 to 75 minutes in length. The found barriers were rooted in (a) practical obstacles, (b) limited information and worries, (c) cultural impacts, and (d) learned coping skills. The ma...

The purpose of this study was to explore Marriage and Family Therapy students’ perspectives regarding food addiction and associated eating disorders, as a clinical treatment issue. In a standard addictions course housed in a Marriage and Family Therapy program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (CO...

In Chinese societies, such as those in Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China, Malaysia, and Singapore, same-sex sexual behaviors have been pathologized, resulting in increased minority stress among Chinese gay men (CGM). Therefore, we attempted to understand CGM’s potential clinical issues. Twelve CGM were interviewed and a basic interpretive qualitati...

The purpose of this study was to explore Marriage and Family Therapy students’ experiences attending Overeaters Anonymous (OA). Utilizing a qualitative survey administered in an addictions course at an institution located in a rural area of the United States, 18 marriage and family therapy (MFT) graduate students reflected on their participation in...

In theory, the encounter group is well suited to addressing the problems of Chinese college students, but in practice, significant conflicts exist between the nature of the encounter group and the internalized beliefs of this group of students. This brief report identifies six areas of notable conflict in the therapeutic process: freedom of express...

Gay bear studies all have been done by Western researchers and involve Western populations. Comparable studies on non-Western cultures are lacking. Preliminary quantitative and qualitative studies were undertaken to explore Chinese gay bears’ physical and psychological characteristics, as well as personal needs related to and cultural perspectives...