Identity Affirmation and Mental Health among Sexual Minorities: A Raised-Mormon Sample. Issue 3 (1st May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bridges, James G.; Tyler Lefevor, G.; Schow, Ronald L.; Rosik, Christopher H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of GLBT family studies. Volume 16:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 293
• Page End: 311
• Publication Date: 2020-05-01
• Subjects: Sexual minority -- mental health -- empowerment -- Mormon -- LDS -- suicidality; Gays -- Family relationships -- Research -- Periodicals; Lesbians -- Family relationships -- Research -- Periodicals; Bisexuals -- Family relationships -- Research -- Periodicals; Transgender people -- Family relationships -- Research -- Periodicals; 306.87408664
• DOI: 10.1080/1550428X.2019.1629369
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1550-428X

Abstract

Abstract: How can someone successfully integrate a lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) identity and a Mormon identity? Using a sample of 530 LGB-identified individuals raised in the Later-Day Saints (LDS) church, this study asks how factors of empowerment are associated with sexual identity affirmation and mental health outcomes. We found that sexual identity support, connection needs support, LGBT community support, and educational attainment were significantly associated with more positive mental health outcomes. LGB women who were raised Mormon appear to fair worse than men, on average. We also found that those raised Mormon who had disaffiliated with the LDS church reported significantly lower levels of internalized homonegativity than those still affiliated. Clinicians working with LGB Mormons and post-Mormons should consider the effect that affirming sources of support may have on positive mental health outcomes.