How does participation in communal worship influence emotional regulation, self-esteem, and spiritual belonging among LGBTQ individuals?
Communal worship is an important aspect of religious life for many people, including those who identify as LGBTQ. It can provide opportunities for social connection, community building, and personal growth.
There are also potential challenges associated with participating in these activities, such as feelings of exclusion, judgment, and rejection. This article will explore how participation in communal worship may impact emotional regulation, self-esteem, and spiritual belonging among LGBTQ individuals.
Emotional Regulation
Participation in communal worship can have both positive and negative effects on emotional regulation for LGBTQ individuals. On one hand, attending services and engaging in religious practices may help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This can be especially true if the congregation or leader is inclusive and affirming of LGBTQ identities and experiences.
Feeling accepted and supported by others during prayer or singing hymns can lead to a sense of comfort and calm.
Some research suggests that spiritual practices such as meditation and mindfulness can promote well-being and resilience (Chida & Sircoulomb, 2016).
Communal worship can also trigger feelings of shame, guilt, and fear related to sexual orientation or gender identity. Religious teachings that condemn same-sex relationships or gender nonconformity can create feelings of isolation and alienation. In extreme cases, this may lead to mental health issues such as depression or even suicide ideation (McClendon et al., 2015; Gorman et al., 2020).
Some LGBTQ individuals may experience discrimination or harassment within their faith community due to their identity. This can cause additional distress and undermine any benefits gained from participating in worship activities.
Self-Esteem
Participation in communal worship can impact self-esteem in various ways for LGBTQ individuals. Some people may find support and validation through connecting with other queer believers who share similar beliefs and values. This can provide a sense of belonging and acceptance, which is particularly important if they have experienced rejection or marginalization elsewhere. Others may feel conflicted between their religious beliefs and personal identities, leading to internalized homophobia or transphobia. This can result in reduced self-confidence and self-worth (Knox, 2019).
Exposure to negative attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals during services or group discussions can reinforce stigma and contribute to low self-esteem (Koester & Koester, 2016).
Spiritual Belonging
Engaging in communal worship can also influence spiritual belonging among LGBTQ individuals. Participating in prayer, singing hymns, reading scriptures, and sharing meals with others can foster feelings of connection and camaraderie. This can be especially true when the congregation is accepting and affirming of diverse identities.
Many LGBTQ individuals report feeling more comfortable being themselves at inclusive churches or synagogues (Bauer et al., 2017; Bostwick, 2018). On the other hand, some faith communities may exclude LGBTQ members from leadership roles or other opportunities for involvement, creating a sense of isolation and exclusion. In these cases, it may be difficult to reconcile one's identity with religious teachings and practices, leading to confusion and dissonance.
Participation in communal worship can impact emotional regulation, self-esteem, and spiritual belonging in various ways for LGBTQ individuals. It is important for faith leaders and congregations to create spaces that are welcoming and supportive of all people, including those who identify as queer. By doing so, they can help to promote positive mental health outcomes and strengthen the community through shared experiences of worship and fellowship.
How does participation in communal worship influence emotional regulation, self-esteem, and spiritual belonging among LGBTQ individuals?
Communal worship has been found to play an essential role in promoting emotional regulation, self-esteem, and spiritual belonging among LGBTQ individuals. Participation in such gatherings can provide a sense of belonging and acceptance, which is crucial for their mental wellbeing and self-image.