A study published in 2019 looked at the impact of religious indoctrination on the mental health of LGBTQIA+ individuals. It found that many people who had been taught to feel ashamed about their sexual orientation or gender identity experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, loneliness, isolation, and fear of rejection than those who did not have such beliefs. These effects were particularly strong for those who felt pressure from their families and communities to conform to traditional gender roles and sexual norms. The researchers concluded that internalized shame resulting from religious teachings can cause serious psychological harm and lead to long-term emotional distress, even if it is not expressed openly.
Other studies have shown that religious beliefs can create a sense of guilt or unworthiness around sex, which may manifest as negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to one's own body, relationships, and desires. This can include avoidance of intimacy, difficulty trusting others, and difficulty communicating needs and boundaries.
Some religions may promote abstinence before marriage or limit sexual expression to procreative purposes within heterosexual marriages, leading to a lack of knowledge and practice regarding pleasure, consent, and safety. This can result in greater risk for sexual assault and other types of violence against women and nonbinary people.
The relational effects of internalized sexual shame can be just as damaging as its psychological ones. Individuals with internalized shame are more likely to feel isolated, ashamed, and afraid to seek support or express their true selves to loved ones, leading to difficulties forming healthy relationships and experiencing intimacy. They may also struggle with self-destructive behavior, such as addiction, eating disorders, or risky sexual practices.
They may face discrimination or rejection by family members, friends, and romantic partners due to their beliefs about sex and gender identity.
The impact of internalized sexual shame derived from religious teachings on individuals cannot be overlooked. It affects mental and physical health, interpersonal relations, and overall wellbeing. Addressing this issue requires education, advocacy, and social change efforts to reduce stigma and normalize diverse expressions of sexuality and gender. We must work towards creating a society that values inclusivity, acceptance, and love above all else.
What are the relational and psychological effects of internalized sexual shame derived from religious teachings?
Religious beliefs that promote sexual shame can have significant relational and psychological consequences for individuals who internalize these messages. Religions often emphasize abstinence until marriage and fidelity within marriage as moral obligations, which may result in feelings of guilt and self-blame if individuals engage in sexual activities outside of these norms (e. g. , premarital sex).