A study conducted among LGBT individuals revealed that they experience varying levels of stress due to stigma, discrimination, marginalization, social exclusion, and lack of acceptance from society. This research aimed to explore how psychological coping strategies differ in diverse religious settings. Psychological coping strategies are techniques used to manage stressful situations. They include problem-focused and emotion-focused approaches. Problem-focused approaches involve planning action steps for solving problems and changing one's environment while emotion-focused approaches deal with reducing negative emotions related to the issue. The study employed a survey method where participants were asked about their beliefs and practices within different religious communities. Participants who identified themselves as Catholic, Protestant, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim, and other religions were included in the sample.
Results indicated that LGBT individuals living in highly conservative Christian communities reported higher levels of distress compared to those residing in liberal ones. They also reported using more problem-focused coping strategies such as seeking social support, reframing issues, and engaging in cognitive restructuring. On the contrary, those in Islamic communities showed higher levels of use of emotion-focused coping strategies such as positive thinking, denial, and venting.
The level of religiosity was significantly associated with coping strategy selection, with devout people being more likely to use emotion-focused strategies. These findings suggest that religious context plays a role in shaping LGBT individuals' coping mechanisms.
This study highlights that different religious contexts affect how LGBT individuals cope with stressors. It is essential for mental health professionals to understand these variations to provide culturally sensitive interventions.
It underscores the need for advocacy efforts towards creating safe spaces and promoting inclusivity in faith communities.
How do psychological coping strategies vary across different religious contexts for LGBT individuals?
Psychological coping mechanisms used by LGBT individuals may differ based on their personal beliefs, cultural background, and religious affiliation. While some religions may provide support and acceptance of LGBT individuals, others may view homosexuality as sinful and discouraged. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation, which can negatively impact mental health outcomes.