According to recent research, the majority of people identify as heterosexual or cisgender - that is, they match their biological sex with their perceived gender.
A minority identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, agender, or non-binary, which may be referred to as LGBTQ+ or simply "queer". These individuals often experience conflict between their identity and their cultural environment, especially when it comes to religion or morality.
Background research
Several studies have explored how members of this community cope with these conflicts.
A study conducted by Smith et al. found that LGBTQ+ adolescents who reported religious conflict were more likely to engage in internalizing behaviors such as depression and anxiety than those who did not. Another study by Gorsuch et al. found that LGBTQ+ adults who grew up in Christian families experienced significant levels of religious rejection and had higher rates of PTSD symptoms. This indicates that there are serious psychological implications associated with conflicting identity and culture.
Psychological mechanisms for adaptation
Some individuals do adapt successfully despite these challenges. One mechanism proposed by researchers is cognitive dissonance reduction, whereby an individual modifies their beliefs or behaviors to reduce feelings of inconsistency or incongruence.
An LGBTQ+ person may modify their religious beliefs to align with their sexual orientation or gender identity, or they may seek out a more accepting faith community. Similarly, social support from family and friends can help reduce the negative impacts of discrimination and prejudice on mental health.
Overcoming moral and religious conflicts
Overcoming moral and religious conflicts requires a process of self-acceptance and personal growth. It involves recognizing one's own values and beliefs and being willing to challenge them if necessary. It also requires finding a balance between cultural norms and personal identity, understanding that both have merit but do not necessarily need to be mutually exclusive. With time and effort, it is possible for LGBTQ+ individuals to find ways to reconcile their identities with their religious or moral teachings, leading to greater emotional well-being and resilience.
How do LGBTQ adolescents process moral and religious conflicts when their sexual or gender identity contradicts cultural teachings, and what psychological mechanisms support adaptation?
LGBTQ adolescents who identify with different genders and sexual orientations than those accepted by their cultures may experience significant conflicts between internal belief systems and external social pressures, which can negatively impact their mental health. Such conflicts are typically due to the discrepancy between what they believe about themselves and how society expects them to behave as well as perceives them.