Religious Inclusion vs. Exclusion: Impact on Self-Identity and Social Belonging
One of the most important aspects of human life is identity formation, which includes the ways individuals construct their personalities based on societal norms and values. Identity construction can be influenced by many factors such as family background, culture, education, experiences, and religion. For members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community, religious inclusion or exclusion has been found to have significant effects on self-concept, moral development, and social belonging. This paper will examine how the long-term psychological impact of religious inclusion versus exclusion affects these areas among LGBT believers.
When it comes to LGBT individuals' self-identity, religion plays an essential role in shaping one's sense of belonging and acceptance within society. Those who are included within a particular faith tradition may feel more comfortable expressing themselves freely without fear of rejection or discrimination. On the other hand, those who are excluded from that same faith tradition may experience feelings of isolation and marginalization, leading to negative self-image and reduced self-esteem. According to researchers, this can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts (Burke et al., 2016).
If a person's sexual orientation conflicts with their religious beliefs, they may struggle with internalized homophobia and guilt, further damaging their self-concept (Ferrante & Jacobsen, 2018).
The moral development of LGBT individuals is also affected by their spirituality. Religious inclusion allows for greater access to resources, support, and guidance that promote positive values and ethical behavior. In contrast, exclusion can result in a lack of moral development due to a lack of supportive environments and positive role models. Studies show that LGBT believers who are rejected by their faith communities may adopt immoral behaviors such as substance abuse or promiscuity to cope with social isolation (Ryan, Huebner, Diaz, & Sanchez, 2010).
Religious leaders who preach against LGBT lifestyles may contribute to feelings of shame and low self-worth among members of these groups, negatively impacting their overall well-being (Perez et al., 2013).
Social belonging refers to an individual's sense of connection and acceptance within a community. For LGBT believers, religious inclusion provides opportunities for community involvement, fellowship, and emotional support that enhances their sense of belonging. Conversely, religious exclusion can lead to social withdrawal, disconnection from family and friends, and a feeling of being "othered." This can result in increased stress levels and decreased quality of life over time (Jones, 2016).
The long-term psychological effects of religious inclusion versus exclusion on self-concept, moral development, and social belonging among LGBT believers are significant. Those who feel accepted and valued by their faith community tend to have higher self-esteem and stronger moral values, leading to improved mental health outcomes. On the other hand, those who experience rejection or marginalization due to their sexual orientation may struggle with negative self-image, poor decision-making skills, and reduced social connections, which can harm their overall well-being. It is essential for faith communities to embrace inclusivity and provide resources for LGBT individuals to promote positive mental health outcomes and foster a sense of belonging.
What are the long-term psychological effects of religious inclusion versus exclusion on self-concept, moral development, and social belonging in LGBT believers?
There is a growing body of research that suggests that religious beliefs can have significant impacts on an individual's sense of self-worth, morality, and feelings of belonging within their community. The experience of exclusion from religious communities due to one's sexual orientation or gender identity has been shown to be particularly detrimental to these factors.