Resilience is an essential component of mental health, but it is difficult to define due to its complexity. It is commonly defined as "the process of adapting well in the face of adversity" (Masten, et al., 2019) that can be both beneficial and harmful. Resilience allows individuals to bounce back from hardships and strengthens their ability to cope with stressors. It can also help them grow and develop new skills.
Resilient people may have more intense emotions during distress than those who do not recover quickly (Masten & Narayanan, 2014). Marginalized LGBT believers experience significant discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and religious beliefs. These factors make living dual lives challenging for many LGBT believers because they must hide their true selves and pretend to conform to societal norms to avoid being rejected or harassed. The constant struggle between conflicting identities can lead to psychological turmoil and self-concept issues, affecting how they perceive themselves and how others see them. This article examines these effects and explores strategies for cultivating resilience among marginalized LGBT believers.
Living a dual life requires extensive effort to maintain secrecy and conceal one's identity. Concealing one's sexuality or gender identity leads to feelings of guilt, shame, fear, anxiety, depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and internal conflict (Albano, Albano, & Albano, 2006; McDermott, 2018). These negative emotions can contribute to mental health problems such as suicidal ideation, substance abuse, eating disorders, and physical illnesses. Hiding one's sexual or gender identity can cause significant stress due to the need to monitor behavior and present oneself differently in various contexts (McDermott, 2018). People may be forced into relationships with those who do not share their sexual orientation or gender identity, leading to feelings of loneliness, unhappiness, and emotional distress. Living two separate lives also creates a lack of authenticity, which can affect personal relationships, career success, and overall well-being. This inner conflict impacts mental health because it causes cognitive dissonance, whereby individuals experience tension when behaviors contradict each other. The constant struggle between hiding and revealing one's true self takes an emotional toll that reduces psychological resiliency and self-concept.
Cultivating resilience among marginalized LGBT believers involves addressing the challenges they face daily. Psychotherapy and counseling can help individuals process traumatic experiences related to living dual lives and build positive coping strategies for dealing with stressors. Support groups can provide a safe space for people to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or rejection. Developing a strong social network of family members, friends, and peers can strengthen their sense of belonging and connection. Acceptance from others is essential for building self-esteem and reducing internal conflicts associated with maintaining secrecy. Encouragement from loved ones helps cultivate resilience by providing support during difficult times.
It is crucial to recognize that resilience varies across individuals, so customizing treatment plans based on individual needs is necessary.
In what ways does living a dual life influence psychological resilience and self-concept among marginalized LGBT believers?
Living a dual life can have several psychological effects on marginalized LGBT believers. It can result in feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The individual may feel that they are not accepted by their religious community and that they need to hide their true identity for fear of rejection or discrimination. This can lead to a sense of internal conflict and confusion about one's beliefs and values.