Religion, LGBT, and Mental Health
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This article examines the relationship between sexual orientation and religious experience of men... more This article examines the relationship between sexual orientation and religious experience of men from early adolescence to adulthood. Data have been obtained from an online survey of 1,042 males who were part of a larger sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) persons who are current or former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS, Mormon). While early religious experience was essentially identical to that of heterosexuals, the gap between religious norms and experience widened as these men moved through early and mid-adulthood. Those who married did so at a later age, and experienced a high rate of divorce. Continued participation, integration, and conformity to LDS ideals was not attributable to faith in, or a departure from, fundamental doctrinal belief. Instead, the responsible variable was sexual orientation, measured by the Kinsey Scale scores across behavior, attraction, and identity. For those near the exclusively homosexual end of the spectrum, the failure to change sexual orientation after intense effort over many years resulted in loss of belonging, belief, and participation, along with increased negative emotions and a sense of mistreatment.
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PsycTESTS Dataset, 2015
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PsycEXTRA Dataset, 2000
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PsycEXTRA Dataset, 2008
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Journal of Lgbt Issues in Counseling, Apr 3, 2019
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PsycTESTS Dataset
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Handbook of Children and Prejudice, 2019
Growing up within a broader society that assumes heterosexuality and traditional gender roles imp... more Growing up within a broader society that assumes heterosexuality and traditional gender roles impacts the personal development of sexual minority (SM) male youth. SM male youth are at increased risk for negative health outcomes including substance use, HIV, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicide. Sexual prejudice and discrimination related to sexual orientation have been consistently linked to these negative mental health outcomes. Those who choose not to conceal their sexual identity and openly self-label at an earlier age are more susceptible to physical and verbal abuse (Pilkington & D’Augelli, 1995). Many gay and bisexual male youth avoid gender nonconformity and adopt traditional masculine ideals as a way of “passing” and avoiding oppression (Pheonix, Frosh, & Pattman, 2003). Over-monitoring one’s behavior and appearance can leave sexual minority youth feeling socially isolated, thereby exacerbating psychological distress and negative mental health outcomes. Despite the negative effects of sexual stigma, sexual minority male youth continue to demonstrate strength and resilience (Anderson, 1998). Developing a positive collective identity is beneficial in cultivating an affirming sexual identity and effective coping strategies. Additionally, connection with an LGBTQ group or community has been found to facilitate affirmation for one’s sexual identity (DiFulvio, Soc Sci Med 72(10):1611–1617, 2011). This chapter will explore the unique stressors, experiences, and coping strategies sexual minority male youth use to deal with sexual prejudice. The importance of connecting with the LGBTQ community and the implications for sexual identity development will be discussed.
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