Resilience is the ability to cope well with difficult situations without negative outcomes such as depression, anxiety, addiction, or self-harm. Queer people are more likely to experience traumatic events than non-queer people because of prejudice and discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Religious trauma can also be a source of distress for queer individuals who often face excommunication, shaming, rejection, and judgment from religious communities.
Some queer believers manage to recover from this type of trauma without developing mental health problems, and psychologists have identified mechanisms that contribute to resilience in these individuals.
Cognitive restructuring
One mechanism is cognitive restructuring, which involves changing negative thoughts about oneself, others, and the world into positive or neutral ones. This may involve reframing past experiences as learning opportunities rather than failures, replacing unrealistic expectations with realistic ones, challenging irrational beliefs, and cultivating self-compassion.
A queer Christian might restructure their negative thought pattern "God doesn't love me because I am gay" by reframing it as "My faith community has taught me wrong ideas about God's love."
Social support
Another mechanism is social support, which refers to having close relationships with family, friends, peers, and community members who provide emotional and practical assistance. These connections help queer believers feel loved, valued, and understood, making them less vulnerable to stress and adversity. Queer believers who have strong social support networks may also benefit from the validation of their identities and values from trusted confidants.
Self-efficacy
Self-efficacy is the belief in one's ability to cope effectively with difficult situations. It can be enhanced through self-care practices such as mindfulness meditation, exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep. By taking care of themselves physically and mentally, queer believers build confidence in their ability to handle challenges, including religious trauma. They may also develop coping strategies such as distraction, problem-solving, and reframing that enhance resilience during stressful times.
Personal growth
Personal growth involves developing new skills, interests, and abilities outside of one's previous identity or group. This can involve exploring spiritual paths other than the one from which they experienced trauma, joining support groups for LGBTQ+ individuals of faith, or engaging in activities that promote personal development such as education, volunteering, or creative pursuits. Queer believers who invest in personal growth may find new sources of meaning and purpose, increasing their overall well-being and resilience.
Psychological mechanisms underlie resilience in queer believers after religious trauma. Cognitive restructuring, social support, self-efficacy, and personal growth all contribute to the ability to recover without negative outcomes such as depression, anxiety, addiction, or self-harm. With proper resources and support, queer believers can thrive despite past experiences of trauma and find new ways to connect with God and others.
What psychological mechanisms underlie resilience in queer believers after religious trauma?
Resilience refers to an individual's ability to cope with adversity and bounce back from difficult situations. It involves a combination of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strategies that help individuals adapt to challenging circumstances. Queer believers who experience religious trauma may exhibit remarkable levels of resilience due to various psychological mechanisms. One such mechanism is their strong sense of identity and self-worth, which provides them with a solid foundation for navigating negative experiences.