There is limited research on the impact of conservative religious upbringing on the development of sexual identity among LGBTQ individuals.
Studies suggest that it may lead to negative consequences such as lower self-esteem, increased internalized homophobia, higher rates of depression and suicidality, and decreased ability to cope with stress.
One study found that religious beliefs can shape how adolescents view themselves and their relationships with others, leading them to feel shame and guilt about their same-sex attractions. 2 This can lead to feelings of isolation, lack of support, and difficulty expressing their true selves, which can have long-term effects on their emotional well-being. 3 In addition, religion often teaches that same-sex attraction is sinful and immoral, causing LGBTQ individuals to question their morals and values and potentially leading to cognitive dissonance. 4 This can result in an increased sense of moral distress and confusion, making it difficult for LGBTQ youth to develop healthy coping strategies for dealing with challenges related to their sexuality.
Many religions promote a strict gender binary, wherein men are expected to be masculine and women feminine. This can create additional pressures on LGBTQ individuals who do not fit into these categories, leading to further negative outcomes such as social isolation and rejection from family members or peers. 5 These factors can contribute to poorer mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse among LGBTQ individuals.
Some research suggests that LGBTQ individuals raised in religious households may experience positive outcomes such as greater resilience and social support. 6
This may depend on various factors such as family acceptance and support.
Certain religious practices may provide a sense of community and belonging that can benefit overall mental health.
Conservative religious upbringing appears to have significant impacts on the development of sexual identity and coping strategies for LGBTQ adolescents. While there may be some benefits to being raised in a religious household, the negative effects appear to outweigh them. Therefore, more research is needed to understand how to better support LGBTQ youth in religious communities and promote healthier attitudes towards sexual identity development.
What long-term effects does conservative religious upbringing have on LGBTQ adolescents' sexual identity development, moral reasoning, self-esteem, and coping strategies?
Living with their parents' religious beliefs may influence the identity of LGBTQ teens during their formative years. The religious norms that are often associated with heterosexuality, cisgenderism, and gender roles can be challenging for LGBTQ adolescents who must struggle to reconcile their feelings and values with those of their family members (Gilbert et al. , 2017).