There has been increasing attention to the negative impact of religion on the mental health of queer individuals. Religious beliefs can be sources of stress for queer people, who may experience internalized shame about their identities due to societal stigma or conflict between their personal beliefs and those of their family and community. This shame can lead to emotional distress, social withdrawal, anxiety, depression, and even suicide ideation. Adolescence is a critical time for identity development, including both religious and sexual orientation identities. Queer adolescents navigating faith may face unique challenges, particularly when they feel conflicted between their religious beliefs and emerging feelings of attraction towards others of the same gender. The present study aimed to explore how religious shame affects the self-concept and mental health of these adolescents.
Methodology
The study employed a mixed-methods design involving interviews with 20 participants aged 18-24 who identified as queer and reported experiencing religious shame related to their sexuality during adolescence. Participants were recruited through online advertising in LGBTQ+ communities and snowball sampling from previous participants' networks. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns in responses.
Findings
Participants described various ways that religious shame affected their self-concept and mental health. They reported feeling different, confused, and alone, which led to low self-esteem, isolation, and difficulty forming close relationships. Some also experienced spiritual guilt and questioning of their faith, leading to disengagement from religion altogether. Others felt pressure to conform to heteronormative expectations within their families and communities, resulting in internalized homophobia or transphobia. Many experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues due to this shame.
Discussion
These findings suggest that religious shame can have significant consequences for queer adolescents navigating faith. It is important for family members, friends, and religious leaders to be aware of these impacts and provide supportive environments where queer individuals can express themselves authentically. Therapy may be beneficial for those struggling with mental health issues related to religious shame.
It may be helpful to reexamine religious beliefs and practices to ensure they are inclusive and affirming of all identities.
Addressing the stigma surrounding sexual orientation within religious communities is crucial for promoting the wellbeing of all individuals.
In what ways does internalized religious shame affect the self-concept and mental health of queer adolescents navigating faith?
Internalized religious shame can negatively impact the self-concept and mental health of queer adolescents navigating their sexuality and gender identity within their faith community. This can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and distress as they try to reconcile their identities with cultural and religious beliefs that may not affirm them.