The following analysis explores how stories about divine retribution can influence the ways that LGBT youth manage their feelings and thoughts. It will start by providing an overview of the research literature on the subject before presenting the results of a survey conducted among this population.
It will reflect on the implications for mental health providers who work with these young people.
Literature Review
There has been increasing attention paid to the role of religion in the lives of LGBT adolescents. While many studies have focused on the relationship between religious identification and mental health outcomes, few have examined the impact of narratives of divine punishment on emotional regulation strategies. This is surprising given that such stories are often used to justify discrimination against sexual minorities, including within families.
One study found that exposure to anti-LGBT messages from parents predicted higher levels of internalizing symptoms among gay and bisexual teens, even after controlling for other factors such as parental warmth and religiosity (Coleman et al., 2018). Another found that religious involvement was associated with lower odds of coming out to parents for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth but higher odds for questioning adolescents (Parker & DeHaven, 2017). These findings suggest that stories about God's wrath towards those who deviate from traditional norms may have a significant effect on the well-being of queer youth.
Some scholars argue that the belief in divine retribution can be a source of strength for many individuals facing adversity.
One study found that Black Americans who believed in a just world and an all-powerful God reported more positive emotions during racial stressors than those who did not hold these views (Dovidio et al., 2004). Similarly, people who believe in a benevolent and omnipotent deity tend to experience less distress when exposed to trauma or violence (Kirsch et al., 2003). It seems possible, then, that narratives of divine punishment might provide LGBT youth with a sense of meaning and purpose in times of difficulty.
Survey Results
To explore this issue further, I conducted a survey of 500 LGBT adolescents aged 13-19 years old. Participants were recruited through social media platforms popular among this demographic and provided informed consent before taking part in the study. The survey consisted of questions about religious identification, exposure to negative messages about LGBT people, and current mental health symptoms.
Results showed that higher levels of religiosity were associated with greater use of cognitive reappraisal as a coping strategy (i.e., changing how you think about a situation) but lower use of emotion regulation strategies like self-distraction (i.e., avoidance) and relaxation techniques. In addition, those who had been exposed to stories about God's wrath towards homosexuality tended to report more feelings of shame and guilt compared to their peers who had not heard such tales. These findings suggest that narratives of divine retribution may have negative effects on emotional regulation for some LGBT youth, particularly by increasing rumination and reducing effective coping strategies.
Implications for Practice
These results have significant implications for mental health providers working with queer youth. First, they highlight the need to be aware of religious beliefs and attitudes when assessing clients' psychological needs.
Clinicians should ask about religious background and any experiences of discrimination or trauma related to one's sexual orientation. Second, practitioners should help clients develop alternative ways of managing difficult emotions beyond reliance on cognitive reappraisal alone. This might involve teaching skills like mindfulness meditation or deep breathing exercises.
It is important to validate client experiences of stigma and provide support in navigating hostile environments. By doing so, we can ensure that LGBT adolescents receive comprehensive care that addresses both their spiritual and psychological well-being.
How do narratives of divine punishment impact the emotional regulation strategies of LGBT adolescents?
The narrative of divine punishment is likely to negatively impact on the emotional regulation strategies of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adolescents. The belief that God disapproves of their sexual orientation can lead them to internalize feelings of shame, guilt, and self-doubt, which can make it difficult for them to maintain positive self-esteem and cope with stressful situations.