Religious social exclusion is defined as a systemic pattern of behavior that results in a group's rejection from their community due to their beliefs, values, lifestyle choices, or practices. This can manifest through acts such as ostracism, shunning, or being subjected to negative attitudes, which have been linked to poor psychological health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Religious motivation refers to the belief that one's faith requires them to exclude others who do not share it. Adolescence is marked by intense peer pressure and identity formation; these factors make LGBTQ adolescents especially vulnerable to social exclusion based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Previous research has explored how religiously-motivated social exclusion affects mental health outcomes for LGBTQ youth.
Few studies have examined its effects on peer relationships and social identity formation specifically. In this study, I will explore the impact of religiously-motivated social exclusion on both areas and discuss potential interventions to address it.
According to recent data from Pew Research Center, nearly half of all Americans believe homosexuality should be discouraged by society, with 16% saying it should be rejected entirely.
Many religious groups espouse views that condemn same-sex behavior and/or transgender identities.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) teaches that "same-sex attraction is a complex issue with multiple dimensions" but states that it is still sinful, while the Southern Baptist Convention believes transgender people are "sinful." As a result, some LGBTQ individuals may experience rejection from family members or communities that uphold strict religious beliefs, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Such experiences can hinder relationship development during adolescence when establishing friendships is critical for social support and personal growth.
Peer relationships play an important role in shaping one's sense of self-esteem and belonging. A systematic review found that having close friends was linked to higher levels of life satisfaction among LGBTQ teens than those without such relationships. This suggests that social exclusion based on sexual orientation or gender identity can negatively affect self-concept and identity formation. Another study revealed that being out and open about one's sexual orientation led to more positive peer relationships among LGB youth, but that coming out did not reduce anxiety related to rejection by peers. Together, these findings demonstrate how religiously-motivated social exclusion can have long-term effects on both interpersonal connections and psychological wellbeing for LGBTQ young adults.
Interventions to address religiously-motivated social exclusion should be culturally sensitive and tailored to specific groups.
Some religious institutions offer affirming spaces for LGBTQ individuals within their faith tradition. The Metropolitan Community Church, which has a primarily gay membership, emphasizes inclusion and acceptance of all sexual orientations and identities.
Several programs provide educational resources to foster empathy and understanding between different religious perspectives.
Most mainstream religions still hold conservative views towards homosexuality and transgenderism, making it challenging for LGBTQ youth to feel accepted. As such, further research into effective strategies for addressing this issue is needed.
The current study highlighted the impact of religiously-motivated social exclusion on peer relationships and identity development for LGBTQ adolescents. Future directions include exploring other factors that may contribute to resilience against exclusion and developing targeted interventions to support those who experience it.
What are the effects of religiously motivated social exclusion on peer relationships and social identity formation for LGBTQ adolescents?
Peer relationships and social identity formation can be affected by religiously motivated social exclusion experienced by LGBTQ adolescents. The experience of rejection and stigmatization may lead to increased feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem (Hatzenbuehler et al. , 2014; Himmelstein & Bartholow, 2015).