The relationship between religion and sexual orientation has been studied extensively in psychology. Researchers have explored how social stigma and discrimination can impact the mental health and wellbeing of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) (e.g., Herek et al., 2010; Meyer, 2003).
Little attention has been paid to the role that religious beliefs may play in shaping these outcomes. This is surprising given that many LGBT individuals report experiencing both exclusion from their faith communities due to their identity and acceptance within them (e.g., Balsam & Parker, 2009). It is important to consider the potential cognitive, emotional, and relational outcomes associated with experiences of religious acceptance or exclusion because they could inform how clinicians work with this population and help reduce disparities in access to mental health services for LGBT individuals.
I will explore how religious acceptance and rejection affect cognitive, emotional, and relational outcomes among LGBT adults. I will discuss evidence from a range of empirical studies conducted using various methodologies.
I will consider practical implications for working with this population.
Cognitive Outcomes
Research suggests that experiences of religious exclusion may negatively impact cognition among LGBT adults by increasing stress and anxiety levels.
A study found that LGBT students who reported experiencing more hostile attitudes towards their sexual orientation had higher levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, than those who did not experience such attitudes (Rodriguez-Jimenez et al., 2014). Another study found that religious exclusion was positively correlated with depressive symptoms among LGBT individuals (Balsam & Parker, 2009). These findings suggest that exposure to negative religious messages can lead to increased distress and potentially impairment in cognitive functioning.
Research has also found positive associations between religious acceptance and improved cognitive functioning among LGBT adults. One study found that LGBT individuals who identified as both Christian and lesbian, gay, or bisexual reported lower levels of depression and greater life satisfaction than those who were only Christian (Halpern-Meekin et al., 2015). Another study found that LGBT individuals who attended a church where they felt accepted were less likely to report suicidal thoughts compared to those who did not attend any church (French, Kendall, & Stoller, 2013). These studies suggest that religious acceptance may be associated with better cognitive outcomes among this population.
Emotional Outcomes
Research suggests that experiences of religious rejection may have negative emotional effects on LGBT adults by increasing feelings of isolation, loneliness, and shame.
One study found that LGBT individuals who experienced more religious discrimination were more likely to endorse internalized homophobia and transphobia (Mays & Cochran, 2015). Another study found that religious rejection was negatively associated with self-esteem and wellbeing among LGBT individuals (Ryan et al., 2012). These findings suggest that exposure to negative religious messages can increase negative emotions and decrease overall emotional health.
There is some evidence that religious acceptance may also have positive emotional benefits for LGBT adults. One study found that LGBT individuals who attended a church where they felt accepted had higher levels of psychological wellbeing than those who did not attend any church (French et al., 2013). Another study found that LGBT individuals who identified as both Christian and lesbian, gay, or bisexual reported greater life satisfaction than those who only identified as Christian (Halpern-Meekin et al., 2015). These studies suggest that religious acceptance may improve emotional functioning among this population.
Relational Outcomes
Experiences of religious exclusion and acceptance may also impact relational outcomes among LGBT adults. Research has found that LGBT individuals who experience rejection from their faith communities are less likely to seek mental health services compared to those who do not (Balsam & Parker, 2009; French et al., 2013). This could be due to feelings of shame or stigma related to being open about one's sexual orientation.
Research suggests that experiencing religious acceptance may lead to stronger social support networks among LGBT individuals.
One study found that LGBT individuals who were more involved in religious activities were more likely to report having at least one friend within the past month (French et al., 2013). These findings suggest that experiences of religious acceptance or rejection can impact relational outcomes among this population.
Practical Implications for Working with LGBT Adults
The findings discussed above have important implications for clinicians working with LGBT individuals. First, it is crucial to consider whether a client identifies as religious and whether they feel accepted by their faith community. If a client reports experiencing religious rejection, clinicians should validate their experiences and explore ways to reduce stress and increase self-esteem. Clinicians should also work to normalize seeking mental health treatment and help clients build a strong support network outside of their faith community.
If a client identifies as both LGBT and Christian, clinicians should encourage them to attend churches where they feel accepted to promote positive emotional outcomes and increase access to needed resources.
How do experiences of religious acceptance or exclusion affect cognitive, emotional, and relational outcomes in LGBT adults?
LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) individuals often experience discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The stigma associated with being LGBT can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and rejection from family, friends, and community members. This may result in negative impacts on mental health, such as increased rates of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and suicidality.