In contemporary society, many young people are facing challenges that affect their emotional wellbeing and overall psychological development. One such challenge is navigating conflicting religious beliefs within their family or community, particularly when it comes to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and self-doubt, which ultimately impact their sense of self.
Some studies suggest that intergenerational religious expectations may also provide support for LGBT youth's resilience in coping with these issues. The purpose of this article is to examine the ways in which intergenerational religious expectations influence identity coherence, coping, and resilience among LGBT youth.
The term "LGBT" refers to individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. These identities encompass a wide range of experiences, including sexuality, gender expression, and relationships. According to recent research, approximately 9% of adults in the United States identify as LGBT, and there has been an increase in acceptance and awareness around these identities in recent years. Despite this progress, many LGBT individuals continue to face discrimination and prejudice from family members, friends, and larger societal institutions.
Same-sex marriage is still illegal in over half of US states, and employment discrimination against LGBT individuals remains legal in many contexts.
Religious beliefs and practices are deeply rooted in many cultures worldwide. In fact, nearly two-thirds of American adults consider themselves Christian, while more than one billion people globally practice Islam. While most major religions condemn homosexuality, others have more nuanced views on LGBTQ+ identities and practices. This can lead to conflicting messages and expectations within families and communities, particularly when it comes to matters of faith and spirituality. This conflict can result in feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt for young people navigating their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Intergenerational Religious Expectations
Intergenerational religious expectations refer to the ways in which parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members influence LGBT youth's religious beliefs and practices. These expectations can take many forms, such as attending church services regularly, following specific rituals, reading scripture daily, or engaging in acts of service. They may also include expectations about dating, marriage, and parenting, all of which may be impacted by an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.
For some LGBT youth, intergenerational religious expectations provide a sense of stability and support during difficult times. They may feel that they belong to a larger community of believers who share similar values and beliefs, even if those values do not align with their own.
These expectations may serve as reminders of their place in society, providing structure and routine in what might otherwise be an unpredictable environment.
For others, intergenerational religious expectations can be deeply damaging. They may feel pressure to hide their true selves from family members, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. They may experience rejection, shunning, or even physical violence if they choose to come out as LGBTQ+. In some cases, these pressures can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide attempts.
Identity Coherence
Identity coherence refers to an individual's ability to understand and communicate their unique self-identity. This includes their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, personality traits, and more. When individuals have a strong sense of identity coherence, they are better able to navigate the world around them confidently and positively.
When this coherence is disrupted by external forces, such as discrimination or conflicting messages from family members, it can lead to feelings of confusion, uncertainty, and self-doubt.
Intergenerational religious expectations can impact identity coherence in several ways.
Youth who grow up in households where their faith is emphasized may struggle to reconcile their spiritual beliefs with their sexual orientation or gender identity. They may question whether they truly belong in either community or feel torn between two competing identities. Similarly, those who are rejected by family members due to their LGBTQ+ status may lose touch with their religious roots altogether, leading to further confusion about their place in society.
Some studies suggest that intergenerational religious expectations can help foster a strong sense of identity coherence among LGBT youth. When family members support their children regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, they provide a positive model for what it means to be both queer and faithful. This can help young people develop a stronger sense of self-worth and self-esteem, enabling them to navigate difficult situations with greater resilience.
Coping Mechanisms
Coping mechanisms refer to strategies that individuals use to manage stressful situations. These can include problem-solving skills, emotional regulation techniques, and healthy habits like exercise, meditation, or therapy. Research has shown that coping mechanisms play an important role in resiliency among LGBT youth, allowing them to manage adversity without compromising their overall wellbeing.
Some intergenerational religious expectations can facilitate effective coping strategies among LGBT youth.
Those who are supported by their families may be more likely to seek out social support from friends and allies, improving their ability to cope with challenges. Those who engage in spiritual practices may find solace and comfort in prayer, ritual, and reflection, enhancing their emotional stability during times of crisis.
Other intergenerational religious expectations may hinder healthy coping mechanisms. Youth who experience rejection or shunning due to their LGBTQ+ status may turn to unhealthy behaviors such as substance abuse, risky sex, or eating disorders. They may struggle to maintain healthy relationships due to the pressure to conform to traditional norms, leading to further isolation and lonel
In what ways do intergenerational religious expectations influence identity coherence, coping, and resilience in LGBT youth?
Intergenerational religious expectations may have an impact on various facets of LGBT young people's lives, including their sense of identity coherence, coping strategies, and resiliency. Religious communities often promote traditional gender roles and heterosexuality as normative behaviors, which can lead to conflicting messages for LGBT individuals who are expected to conform to these standards.