There has been growing interest in the role of spirituality in mental health and wellbeing among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) individuals. While some studies have suggested that religious affiliation may be associated with lower rates of psychological distress, others suggest that this relationship is more nuanced and context-dependent.
Fewer researchers have explored whether spirituality can act as a protective factor against stress and trauma among LGBTQ individuals. This paper will examine the potential protective function of spirituality for LGBTQ persons experiencing stress and trauma.
One study found that among LGBTQ youth, those who engaged in spiritual practices were less likely to report depressive symptoms than their non-spiritual peers (Boswell et al., 2018). Another study investigated the effects of mindfulness meditation on resilience among LGBTQ individuals who had experienced discrimination or violence related to their sexual orientation (McIntosh & Kocovski, 2016). The findings indicated that engagement in mindfulness practices helped reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. A third study examined the role of spirituality in resilience among LGBTQ adults who had experienced childhood maltreatment (Halpern et al., 2017). Participants reported higher levels of personal mastery when they perceived themselves as having a strong connection to a higher power or divine being.
In addition to these findings, other research has suggested that spirituality may help buffer against stress by increasing feelings of self-efficacy and hope (Wu et al., 2019). This was supported by a qualitative study conducted with LGBTQ individuals living with HIV/AIDS (Rankin & Boone, 2015). In this study, participants discussed how their faith communities provided them with a sense of empowerment and support during times of difficulty. Another study explored the relationship between religiosity and PTSD symptom severity among transgender individuals (Stanley & Riggs, 2014). While those with high levels of religious involvement were more likely to report lower PTSD symptoms than those with low levels of religious involvement, this association was mediated by social support.
While there is evidence supporting the potential protective function of spirituality for LGBTQ persons experiencing trauma, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying this relationship. Future studies should consider factors such as cultural context, type of spiritual practice, and individual differences in spiritual beliefs.
Longitudinal designs are necessary to determine whether spiritual practices are associated with longer-term mental health outcomes among LGBTQ populations. Nonetheless, these findings suggest that incorporating spirituality into treatment interventions for LGBTQ individuals may be beneficial for enhancing resilience and promoting wellbeing.
To what extent can spirituality act as a protective factor against stress and trauma in LGBTQ individuals?
Spirituality has been found to play an important role in protecting individuals from stress and trauma, including LGBTQ individuals. This is because spirituality involves a sense of connection with something greater than oneself, such as God, nature, or one's community, which provides comfort and support during difficult times. In addition, spiritual practices like meditation and mindfulness have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels.