Religion, LGBT, and Mental Health by Renee Galliher
A burgeoning vein of research assesses links between familial support and psychosocial health amo... more A burgeoning vein of research assesses links between familial support and psychosocial health among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer or questioning (GLBQ) individuals. This study is a cross-sectional, multimethod survey that examined these associations in highly religious families. Participants were 587 individuals who identified as GLBQ, were affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), and were between the ages of 18 and 30. Reports of early support from families were significantly associated with various measures of psychosocial health, more consistently for men than women. In addition, participants provided written narratives in response to an open-ended question asking about the reactions of their parents, family members, and faith community when they disclosed their nonheterosexual orientation. Analyses yielded a continuum of reactions with an overarching religious influence: (1) positive or affirming (2) a conditionally positive response (3) avoidance (4) distress or guilt and (5) anger or hostility. Within the nonaffirming range of responses, subthemes emerged related to specific patterns of condemnation of the person's nonheterosexual identity, including (1) change over time, and (2) embracing myth. Participants' own words are used to provide depth and richness to the observed themes.
This article examines the relationship between sexual orientation and religious experience of men... more This article examines the relationship between sexual orientation and religious experience of men from early adolescence to adulthood. Data have been obtained from an online survey of 1,042 males who were part of a larger sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) persons who are current or former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS, Mormon). While early religious experience was essentially identical to that of heterosexuals, the gap between religious norms and experience widened as these men moved through early and mid-adulthood. Those who married did so at a later age, and experienced a high rate of divorce. Continued participation, integration, and conformity to LDS ideals was not attributable to faith in, or a departure from, fundamental doctrinal belief. Instead, the responsible variable was sexual orientation, measured by the Kinsey Scale scores across behavior, attraction, and identity. For those near the exclusively homosexual end of the spectrum, the failure to change sexual orientation after intense effort over many years resulted in loss of belonging, belief, and participation, along with increased negative emotions and a sense of mistreatment.
This study examined navigation of sexual and religious identity conflict among 1,493 same-sex att... more This study examined navigation of sexual and religious identity conflict among 1,493 same-sex attracted current or former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Participants were classified into four groups: (a) rejected a lesbian, gay, or bisexual identity (5.5%); (b) compartmentalized sexual and religious identities (37.2%); (c) rejected religious identity (53%); and (d) integrated religious and sexual identities (4.4%). Systematic differences emerged among the groups in sexual identity development histories, developmental milestones, relationship experiences, religious engagement, and psychosocial health. The findings suggest that rejection or compartmentalization of sexual identity may be difficult to sustain over time and likely comes at a significant psychosocial cost. Integration of identities may be equally difficult to achieve, and appears to be associated with optimal outcomes.
A nation-wide sample of 634 previous or current members of the Church of Jesus Christ of , were s... more A nation-wide sample of 634 previous or current members of the Church of Jesus Christ of , were surveyed to examine how specific aspects of minority stress are individually and collectively associated with depression, and how such associations differ across sex, sexual orientation, and level of affiliation with the LDS church. When five stressors were examined simultaneously, need for others' acceptance (NA) was the strongest predictor of depression, followed by internalized homophobia (IH). All minority stress factors were found to be individually predictive of depression and did not differ across sex or sexual orientation subgroups. Differences were observed, however, when considering current LDS status, such that participants who were no longer affiliated with the LDS church reported stronger relationships between some minority stressors and depression. Implications of religious identity salience as a potential mediator of relationships between specific stressors and depression are discussed.
This study reports the results of a comprehensive online survey of 1,612 current or former member... more This study reports the results of a comprehensive online survey of 1,612 current or former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, many of whom engaged in psychotherapy to cope with (i.e., understand, accept, or change) their same-sex attractions. Data obtained from written and quantitative responses showed that therapy was initiated over a very wide age range and continued for many years. However, counseling was largely ineffective; less than 4% reported any modification of core same-sex erotic attraction. Moreover, 42% reported that their change-oriented therapy was not at all effective, and 37% found it to be moderately to severely harmful. In contrast, affirming psychotherapeutic strategies were often found to be beneficial in reducing depression, increasing selfesteem, and improving family and other relationships. Results suggest that the very low likelihood of a modification of sexual orientation and the ambiguous nature of any such change should be important considerations for highly religious sexual minority individuals considering reorientation therapy.
This study examined the psychosocial correlates of following various church-based approaches for ... more This study examined the psychosocial correlates of following various church-based approaches for dealing with same-sex attraction, based on a large sample (1,612) of same-sex attracted current and former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS, or Mormon). Overall, this study found that biologically based views about the etiology of same-sex attraction (vs. psychosocial views), LDS church disaffiliation (vs. activity), sexual activity (vs. celibacy), and legal same-sex marriage (vs. remaining single or mixed-orientation marriage) were all associated with significantly higher levels of self-esteem and quality of life, and lower levels of internalized homophobia, sexual identity distress, and depression. The divorce rate for mixed-orientation marriages was 51% at the time of survey completion, with projections suggesting an eventual divorce rate of 69%.
This study examined sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) by 1,612 individuals who are current... more This study examined sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE) by 1,612 individuals who are current or former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Data were obtained through a comprehensive online survey from both quantitative items and open-ended written responses. A minimum of 73% of men and 43% of women in this sample attempted sexual orientation change, usually through multiple methods and across many years (on average). Developmental factors associated with attempts at sexual orientation change included higher levels of early religious orthodoxy (for all) and less supportive families and communities (for men only). Among women, those who identified as lesbian and who reported higher Kinsey attraction scores were more likely to have sought change. Of the 9 different methods surveyed, private and religious change methods (compared with therapist-led or group-based efforts) were the most common, started earlier, exercised for longer periods, and reported to be the most damaging and least effective. When sexual orientation change was identified as a goal, reported effectiveness was lower for almost all of the methods. While some beneficial SOCE outcomes (such as acceptance of same-sex attractions and reduction in depression and anxiety) were reported, the overall results support the conclusion that sexual orientation is highly resistant to explicit attempts at change and that SOCE are overwhelmingly reported to be either ineffective or damaging by participants.
Interest in mixed-orientation marriages has been growing among both scholars and the general publ... more Interest in mixed-orientation marriages has been growing among both scholars and the general public. Members of conservative religions such as Mormonism may be particularly willing to enter a mixed-orientation marriage given the faith's emphasis on heteronormativity. Analyzing survey data from a sample of sexual minorities (n D 160) and heterosexuals (n D 80) who are or have been Mormon and in a mixed-orientation marriage, we explore variations in reasons for marriage, the disclosure experience, and levels of attraction and attitudes toward sex by current relationship status. Previously married sexual-minority individuals report more external pressure and belief their same-sex attraction might change as reasons to marry, as well as less desire for their spouses following disclosure. Currently married sexual-minority partners are less likely to report being counseled to marry, and report feeling more relief, approval, and desire in their relationship following disclosure. Currently married heterosexual spouses are more likely to report spiritual confirmation as a reason to marry, as well as more affection for and greater attraction to spouses, but also report feeling less secure about their attractiveness following disclosure. Previously married heterosexual individuals report the most negative feelings following disclosure, and stronger attitudes about the importance of sharing similar sexual interests, desire, and levels of attraction.
Papers by Renee Galliher
Asian American Journal of Psychology, 2018
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Journal of Lgbt Issues in Counseling, Apr 3, 2019
Sexual minority men's sexual identity may be vulnerable to feelings of masculine gender-role inco... more Sexual minority men's sexual identity may be vulnerable to feelings of masculine gender-role incongruence within heteronormative dominant cultural contexts. This study explored associations between masculine gender-role congruence/ incongruence and various aspects of sexual identity development in a sample of 106 nonheterosexual men between ages 18 and 74 years (M ¼ 34.86, SD ¼ 14.32). The majority of the sample identified as gay (79%), with the rest of the sample identifying as bisexual (10%), and nonexclusively same-sexattracted sexual identity labels (e.g., pansexual, queer; 10%). Slightly more than half of the men reported congruence between their actual self-perception of masculinity and their ideal masculine presentation. However, men who experienced greater masculine gender-role incongruence, specifically presenting with lower masculine appearance and behavior than they desired, reported higher levels of identity distress and self-consciousness. Thus, though masculine gender roles are being challenged and gender nonconformity is becoming more widely accepted, masculine gender roles are still relevant to the lives of sexual minority men. Future research and clinical implications are discussed.
Handbook of Children and Prejudice, 2019
Growing up within a broader society that assumes heterosexuality and traditional gender roles imp... more Growing up within a broader society that assumes heterosexuality and traditional gender roles impacts the personal development of sexual minority (SM) male youth. SM male youth are at increased risk for negative health outcomes including substance use, HIV, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicide. Sexual prejudice and discrimination related to sexual orientation have been consistently linked to these negative mental health outcomes. Those who choose not to conceal their sexual identity and openly self-label at an earlier age are more susceptible to physical and verbal abuse (Pilkington & D’Augelli, 1995). Many gay and bisexual male youth avoid gender nonconformity and adopt traditional masculine ideals as a way of “passing” and avoiding oppression (Pheonix, Frosh, & Pattman, 2003). Over-monitoring one’s behavior and appearance can leave sexual minority youth feeling socially isolated, thereby exacerbating psychological distress and negative mental health outcomes. Despite the negative effects of sexual stigma, sexual minority male youth continue to demonstrate strength and resilience (Anderson, 1998). Developing a positive collective identity is beneficial in cultivating an affirming sexual identity and effective coping strategies. Additionally, connection with an LGBTQ group or community has been found to facilitate affirmation for one’s sexual identity (DiFulvio, Soc Sci Med 72(10):1611–1617, 2011). This chapter will explore the unique stressors, experiences, and coping strategies sexual minority male youth use to deal with sexual prejudice. The importance of connecting with the LGBTQ community and the implications for sexual identity development will be discussed.
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Religion, LGBT, and Mental Health by Renee Galliher
Papers by Renee Galliher