LGBTQ adolescents and young adults raised within a Christian religious context: Positive and negative outcomes

Abstract

Religious contexts have traditionally been understood as protective for a variety of psychosocial health outcomes. However, the generalizability of these findings to youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) is questioned due to denominational teachings on same‐sex attractions and sexual behavior. Eight adolescents (15–17 years) and 11 young adults (19–24 years) who identify as LGBTQ raised in Christian religious affiliations (16 participants raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2 participants raised Catholic and 1 participant raised Presbyterian) participated in individual in‐depth interviews, journal writings, and focus groups to provide greater insight into the lived experiences of LGBTQ individuals raised within a Christian religious environment. Findings suggest the religious context is related to both positive and negative outcomes. Eight themes are explored using participant's own words and experiences. Directions for future research and implications are discussed.

Specific Aspects of Minority Stress Associated With Depression Among LDS Affiliated Non-Heterosexual Adults

“…Thus, greater frequency of participation or attendance at LDS church activities would suggest that one's identity as an active member of the LDS church is more salient than for those who are less active in (or altogether disengaged from) the church. Qualitative investigations of non-heterosexual individuals' sexual and religious identity development trajectories further suggest that many non-heterosexually identified persons Downloaded by [New York University] at 05:42 01 June 2015 eventually disengage from non-affirming religious organizations as a function of internalized conflict associated with multiple competing identities (Dahl & Galliher, 2012a, 2012b. Moreover, although associations between religious and sexual identity conflict and depression have been documented (e.g., Dahl & Galliher, 2010), to date, few studies have been published that explore how active involvement in a non-affirming religious organization moderates relationships between minority stress and mental health concerns.…”

“…As expressed by Herek (2007), "religious condemnation of homosexual behavior inevitably stigmatizes people who are homosexual" (p. 4). As such, affiliation with such conservative religions often places sexual minorities at increased risk for stigma-related psychological distress (Dahl & Galliher, 2010, 2012a, 2012bHerek at al., 2009).…”

“…Some individuals employ methods such as denying, avoiding, concealing, or trying to "pray away" their same-sex desires once they become aware of their nonheterosexuality (Levy & Reeves, 2011). However, such efforts are commonly met with feelings of depression, hopelessness, and despair (Dahl, 2012a(Dahl, , 2012b.…”

“…Based on its recent political activism attempting to defend traditional heterosexual marriage, as well as its status as one of the fastest-growing and largest Christian denominations in the United States (National Council of Churches, 2011), the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) is of particular interest for the current study as it continues to promote and institutionally maintain hetero-dominant cultural norms. There is also evidence to suggest that socio-emotional health may vary as a function of level of affiliation or activity with non-affirming religious organizations (e.g., see Dahl & Downloaded by [New York University] at 05:42 01 June 2015 Galliher, 2012aGalliher, , 2012b. Accordingly, to investigate changes in stigma-related depression across differing levels of affiliation with a particular religious group, non-heterosexual adults who are or previously were affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were targeted for participation in the current study.…”

Navigating Sexual and Religious Identity Conflict: A Mormon Perspective

“…In their study of 105 lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or questioning (LGBQQ) youth raised in religious contexts (2009), they found low levels of sexual and religious identity integration, and that self-acceptance and increased knowledge were instrumental for those who reported successful integration. Subsequently, Dahl and Galliher (2012a) found eight themes across a qualitative analysis of religious and sexual identity development among 19 youth and young adults, the majority of whom were raised LDS. Negative outcomes included feelings of inadequacy, religious-related guilt, depressive symptoms, and social strain.…”