There has been increasing interest in understanding the psychological impact of religion on sexual orientation and gender identity within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community. While some research suggests that religious participation can be a source of support for this group, others argue that it may also contribute to feelings of guilt, shame, and rejection. This study examines how internalized shame mediates the relationship between religious participation and self-acceptance among LGBTQ believers. The goal is to provide new insights into the experiences of these individuals and inform interventions aimed at promoting mental health and well-being.
Religious beliefs and practices are often linked to strong moral values and codes of conduct, which may create conflicts with non-heteronormative identities and behaviors. As a result, members of the LGBTQ community may experience stigma and discrimination within their faith communities, leading to negative emotional responses such as shame and guilt. These feelings can undermine self-esteem and self-worth, resulting in lower levels of self-acceptance and psychological distress. Internalized shame refers to the internalization of societal attitudes towards oneself, leading to negative self-evaluations and self-criticism.
To examine the role of internalized shame in the relationship between religious participation and self-acceptance, we conducted an online survey of LGBTQ believers (N 300). Participants completed measures of religious participation, internalized shame, and self-acceptance. Our findings suggest that higher levels of internalized shame were associated with lower levels of self-acceptance, even after controlling for other relevant factors such as religiosity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and social support. Moreover, we found that religious participation was associated with increased internalized shame, but only among those who reported low levels of self-acceptance. This suggests that the impact of religion on psychological outcomes may be complex and contextual, dependent on individual differences and relational dynamics.
The results highlight the importance of addressing the intersection of religious and sexual/gender identities in counseling and psychotherapy. Clinicians should be mindful of the potential challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in navigating both personal beliefs and institutional policies, and work to create a safe and affirmative space for exploring identity and spirituality. Interventions aimed at reducing shame and promoting positive coping strategies may help improve mental health and well-being among this population.
Our study demonstrates the need for continued research into the complex experiences of LGBTQ believers and the role of religion in their lives.
How does internalized shame mediate the relationship between religious participation and self-acceptance in LGBTQ believers?
Internalized shame is a negative sense of worth caused by external forces. Researchers have examined how it may affect religious LGBTQ people's mental health, including their self-acceptance. This study investigated if there was a connection between religious participation and self-acceptance when taking into account internalized shame.