Abstract
This study was designed to explore and challenge the negative stereotypes associated with the Gothic subculture. Goths have typically been portrayed as depressed, suicidal, and violent. The Positive Psychology perspective was used as a framework for exploring levels of subjective well-being reported by the group as compared to a normal university sample. The Gothic sample consisted of 104 adult participants, representative of the Gothic subculture in terms of demographics. The sample was equally representative of both genders, largely Caucasian, middle-class, college educated, non-traditionally religious, and contained a significant proportion of alternative sexualities. The university student sample of 108 adults was found to be highly representative of the normal population from which it was drawn. Groups were compared on measures of subjective happiness, satisfaction with life, positive affect, negative affect, meaning in life, and social desirability. The Gothic sample was found to rate themselves lower on levels of self-evaluated level of happiness and appeared less impacted by social desirability pressures. Goths did not differ from the comparison group with regards to: life satisfaction, the experience of positive or negative affect, and meaning in life. The Gothic subculture was conceptualized and presented in terms of a distinct culture with a unique set of values and beliefs. It is proposed that the multicultural framework of psychological practice should encompass subcultural elements into consideration as relevant client variables. By increasing understanding of a misrepresented group, it is hoped the resultant prejudice and discrimination against the group may be lessened.