Sexual self-concept and identity coherence in faith-based communities
Abstract: This review focuses on how faith-based community membership can impact the development of sexual self-concept and identity coherence among individuals, leading to either positive or negative outcomes for their mental health. The article discusses relevant theories and empirical findings that highlight various factors contributing to these experiences, including religious beliefs, social norms, cultural contexts, peer influences, and personal experiences.
It explores potential implications for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers working within faith-based communities to promote positive sexual development and wellbeing.
Faith-based communities have been an integral part of society throughout history, providing a sense of belonging and meaning to many people around the world.
The intersection between religion and sex has often been fraught with tension, leading to conflicting attitudes and behaviors related to sexuality. Despite this complexity, there is growing interest in understanding how faith-based communities influence individual experiences of acceptance or rejection regarding sexuality and its relationship to sexual self-concept and identity coherence. In this review, we will examine this issue by exploring relevant literature from psychology and sociology to better understand the link between faith-based membership and sexual development.
A. Religious Beliefs:
Religion plays a significant role in shaping attitudes towards sex and relationships, influencing everything from moral values to sexual practices (Pargament & Mahoney, 2013).
Some religions emphasize abstinence before marriage, while others encourage monogamy and commitment within a marital union (Walsh, 2009). These beliefs can impact an individual's sexual self-concept and identity coherence, potentially leading to feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment if they do not align with religious teachings.
B. Social Norms:
In addition to religious beliefs, social norms surrounding sexual behavior within faith-based communities can also shape experiences of acceptance or rejection (Farberow et al., 2017).
Some communities may view premarital sex as immoral or sinful, leading individuals to feel ashamed or stigmatized if they engage in such activities. Conversely, others may promote openness and honesty about sexual desires, creating a safe space for exploration and expression.
These norms may differ across cultural contexts, further complicating matters for those seeking to navigate their sexuality within a faith-based community.
C. Cultural Contexts:
The cultural context in which an individual lives can also influence how they experience sexuality within a faith-based setting (Lewis, 2006).
Individuals raised in more conservative or traditional societies may face greater pressure to conform to strict gender roles and expectations regarding sexual behavior. This can result in challenges related to intimacy, desire, and attraction, potentially impacting their overall sense of wellbeing. On the other hand, individuals raised in liberal or progressive settings may be better equipped to explore their sexuality without fear of judgment or repercussions from their faith-based community.
D. Peer Influences:
Peers can also play a significant role in shaping one's sexual self-concept and identity coherence within a faith-based community (Hoffman & Berman, 2019). Friends, family members, and mentors may offer support and validation regarding one's sexual orientation, practices, and choices or reinforce negative stereotypes or beliefs. These experiences can impact mental health outcomes, particularly for those who feel isolated or alone in their sexuality.
E. Personal Experiences:
Personal experiences within a faith-based community can shape one's sexual development, influencing their acceptance or rejection of certain sexual behaviors and identities (Fischer et al., 2018).
Individuals who have experienced trauma, abuse, or discrimination due to their sexual orientation or practices may struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. Conversely, those who feel accepted and supported by their faith-based community can develop positive sexual self-concepts and identity coherence, leading to greater mental health outcomes.
Understanding how experiences of acceptance or rejection within faith-based communities influence sexual self-concept and identity coherence is essential for promoting positive mental health among individuals. Future research should focus on exploring these relationships further, including the intersection between religion, culture, social norms, peer influences, and personal experiences. This information can inform interventions that promote positive sexual development and wellbeing while respecting individual differences and preferences.
How do experiences of acceptance or rejection within faith-based communities influence sexual self-concept, identity coherence, and mental health?
In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring how experiences of acceptance or rejection within faith-based communities can impact an individual's sense of self-acceptance, identity formation, and overall wellbeing. Research suggests that belonging to a religious community can play a significant role in shaping an individual's sexuality, with some individuals feeling more comfortable expressing their sexual orientation or gender identities within such contexts.