Suicidal ideation among active and nonactive/former Latter‐day Saint sexual minorities

Lefevor, G. Tyler; McGraw, James S.; Skidmore, Samuel J.

doi:10.1002/jcop.22591

Cited by 30 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 52 publications

(93 reference statements)

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“…For example, participants reported higher divine and doubt-related struggles than most samples. Most alarmingly, similar to prior research on sexual minorities (Lefevor, McGraw, & Skidmore, 2022) and TGNC+ individuals (Exline et al, 2021), this sample reported strikingly high interpersonal struggles. This finding makes sense given how much religion-based interpersonal stigma sexual minorities often encounter (Lefevor et al, 2021; Lefevor, Etengoff, et al, 2022) and given that interpersonal R/S struggles are “conflicts with other people and institutions about sacred issues; anger at organized religion; and feeling hurt, mistreated, or offended by others in relation to religious or spiritual issues” (Pargament & Exline, 2022, p. 9).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 78%

“…However, higher R/S struggles were predicted by a current Christian R/S affiliation and by childhood or current involvement in an R/S community perceived as less LGBQ+ affirming. These findings are consistent with minority stress theory (Meyer, 2003), multilevel stigma theory (White Hughto et al, 2015), and social stigma process theory (Frost, 2011) in that exposure to a stigmatizing religious context is often a significant source of external minority stress for R/S sexual minorities (Anderton et al, 2011; Lefevor, Etengoff, et al, 2022; Lefevor, McGraw, & Skidmore, 2022).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 76%

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Religious/spiritual struggles and life satisfaction among sexual minorities.

Paulez¹,

Johnson²,

Davis³

et al. 2023

Psychology of Religion and Spirituality

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This cross-sectional study examines which aspects of sexual, gender, and religious/spiritual (R/S) identities predict R/S struggles and life satisfaction among sexual minority adults. A large, nonprobability sample (N = 644; Mage = 35.16, 84.0% American; 15.2% of the sample were also transgender/gender-nonconforming persons) completed measures asking about their sexual orientation identity and sociodemographics, current and childhood religiousness/spirituality, and current R/S struggles and life satisfaction. Participants reported typical levels of life satisfaction but disproportionately high rates of overall R/S struggles and most R/S-struggles subtypes, particularly interpersonal struggles. Sexual minorities who were raised Christian reported higher overall, interpersonal, and doubt-related R/S struggles during adulthood than those who were not raised Christian. Sexual minority adults who were currently Christian-affiliated (vs. not) reported higher levels of all R/S-struggle subtypes except interpersonal struggles. However, sexual minority adults evidenced no differences in life satisfaction based on whether they were raised Christian (vs. not) or had a current Christian affiliation (vs. not). R/S factors (especially a current Christian affiliation and childhood or current involvement in a R/S community participants perceived as less lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer+ [LGBQ+] affirming) predicted sexual minorities’ R/S struggles beyond the influence of demographics but did not predict additional variance in life satisfaction. Sexual-orientation identity factors (particularly higher levels of integration and outness) uniquely predicted lower R/S struggles and higher life satisfaction. Results highlight a need for research on how multilevel stigma intersects with sexual, gender, and R/S identity development. Interventions that target R/S struggles, identity integration, and identity-affirming R/S support are also needed.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 78%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 76%

Religious/spiritual struggles and life satisfaction among sexual minorities.

Paulez¹,

Johnson²,

Davis³

et al. 2023

Psychology of Religion and Spirituality

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“…To resolve sexual identity confusion and/or conflict they must navigate their communities’ expectations of gender conformity and marriage. These individuals may garner support from conservative religious communities that may simultaneously buffer and perpetuate psychological distress (Lefevor, McGraw, & Skidmore, 2021). Therapists should be mindful that for many LGB clients raised in conservative religious environments, making a shift to a more progressive faith tradition may not be easy or possible and that clients may interpret encouragement to do so as evidence that the therapist does not understand them.…”

Section: Important Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Older cohorts of sexual minorities are more likely to remain religious, and religion and spirituality may figure more prominently in therapy with them. For some, religious engagement may provide needed social support (Lefevor, McGraw, & Skidmore, 2021) while for others, it may ignite sexual identity confusion and/or conflict.…”

Section: Age-related Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

First do no harm: Principles of care for clients with sexual identity confusion and/or conflict.

Lefevor¹,

Goldblum²,

Dowling³

et al. 2022

Psychotherapy

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Individuals who experience sexual identity confusion and/or conflict face unique stressors and life circumstances for which they may seek psychotherapy; however, little specific guidance exists for therapists working with clients who experience sexual identity confusion and/or conflict. To meet this need, we present a framework for therapists whose clients experience distress related to sexual identity confusion and/ or conflict. We first define and describe sexual identity confusion and conflict, situating both in developmental theories of sexual identity. We then review clinical approaches that have been used historically to inform treatment with clients experiencing sexual identity confusion and/or conflict. Next, we discuss guiding ethical and clinical principles to inform such a clinical approach. Then, we provide assessment and treatment recommendations. We conclude by discussing considerations for working with clients who are diverse in gender identity, race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and religious affiliation. Clinical Impact StatementQuestion: This article explores how to provide ethical and effective therapy for individuals who experience sexual identity confusion/conflict. Findings: We provide definitions of key terms, a review of theory, and clinical approaches, guiding ethical and clinical principles, assessment and treatment recommendations, and special considerations for clinicians to use in their applied practice. Meaning: We encourage therapists to be mindful of their biases around sexual identity confusion/conflict, to focus on helping clients explore at the client's pace and from their perspective, and to ensure that therapists' efforts do no harm. Next Steps: Future research should seek to investigate the generalizability of the principles discussed and to understand how these principles apply for gender identity confusion/conflict.

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“…Coming out to others is linked to an increase in minority stressors such as discrimination and internalized stigma (e.g., Russell and Fish 2016), particularly when coming out to individuals in religions that do not affirm same-gender sexuality or gender expression outside of assigned birth sex (Rosati et al 2020 ). It is therefore unsurprising that SGMs are much more likely to conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity if they are religious or spiritual (Kubicek et al 2009; Lefevor, McGraw et al, 2022 ; Shilo and Savaya 2012; Woodyard et al 2000).…”

Section: Difficulties and Benefits Of Coming Out To Religious Othersmentioning

confidence: 99%

“I Come Out Because I Love You”: Positive Coming Out Experiences among Latter-day Saint Sexual and Gender Minorities

Skidmore

Lefevor

Perez-Figueroa

2022

Review of Religious Research

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Background Coming out conversations are pivotal and stressful experiences for sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). Coming out can lead to more affirmation, safety, confidence, and improved relationships. However, adverse coming out experiences can lead to damaged relationships and ostracization, which may be more likely in conservative religious contexts. Purpose The purpose of the current study was to explore what leads to positive coming out experiences for SGM members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Method A sample of 25 current or former Latter-day Saint (LDS) SGMs participated in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Participants reported five actions they did that contributed to a beneficial coming out experience: being selective, increasing self-understanding and acceptance, preparing before, decreasing pressure on self, and validating the relationship with the person they came out to. Participants further reported six responses from others that contributed to a beneficial coming out experience: showing loving acceptance, utilizing empathic listening skills, offering and expressing support, celebrating, affirming that the relationship is not changed, and advocating. Conclusions and Implications The present study extends current knowledge on coming out experiences by demonstrating specific beneficial approaches and responses to coming out. Given participants’ lack of focus on religiousness in their reports, these findings may be applicable to both religious and nonreligious SGMs. Our findings extend current knowledge on coming out experiences by demonstrating that both SGM approaches and others’ responses are critical to creating a more positive coming out conversation. Future research is needed to understand the efficacy and effects of these coming out approaches and responses.

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Suicidal ideation among active and nonactive/former Latter‐day Saint sexual minorities

Cited by 30 publications

References 52 publications

Religious/spiritual struggles and life satisfaction among sexual minorities.

Religious/spiritual struggles and life satisfaction among sexual minorities.

First do no harm: Principles of care for clients with sexual identity confusion and/or conflict.

“I Come Out Because I Love You”: Positive Coming Out Experiences among Latter-day Saint Sexual and Gender Minorities

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