Caught in the crossfire: an exploration of religiosity and emotional well-being among LGBTQ adults

Abstract

In American society, LGBTQ issues have been a frequent topic of conversation. Almost inevitably, the discussion turns to religious or moral concerns. Previous literature has shown religious involvement to be a protective factor for emotional well-being, but for many LGBTQ people, negative experiences have outweighed the positives. Using the Social Justice Sexuality Survey 2010 (SJSP), this study analyzes associations between religious involvement, LGBTQ involvement, and emotional well-being, as well as how interactions between religious and LGBTQ involvement could be associated with emotional well-being. Despite biases and discrimination LGBTQ individuals face in society, results indicate that religious involvement can carry benefits for emotional well-being. Beyond religion, involvement in LGBTQ communities also seems to have a positive relationship with emotional well-being. In addition, religious involvement and LGBTQ involvement interact, so that when religion has a negative influence on coming to terms with LGBTQ identities, connection to the LGBTQ community is more important for emotional well-being.