Self-Esteem among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Same-Sex-Attracted Mormons and Ex-Mormons

• In Event: 218 - Section on Sociology of Religion Paper Session. Beyond the Culture Wars: Broadening the Religion and Sexualities Conversation

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) and same-sex-attracted (SSA) individuals in conservative religions face significant challenges reconciling their religious and sexual identities, yet religion can also provide existential comfort and social support. We investigated the relationship between religiosity and mental health among 428 LGB/SSA-identified Mormons and ex-Mormons. Contrary to expectation, we found no relationship between self-esteem and participation in the Church: religiously-active Mormons reported similar self-esteem as ex-Mormons. Perhaps many LGB/SSA ex-Mormons continue to experience emotional distress after leaving the Church. Tests of attitudes toward the Church’s stance on homosexuality showed a strong relationship with self-esteem: LGB/SSA Mormons and ex-Mormons who either “strongly disagreed” or “strongly agreed” with the Church had high self-esteem compared to those in the middle. We tested different plausible mediators to explain this relationship and found the “strongly disagree” advantage to be wholly attributable to higher gay self-acceptance, whereas the “strongly agree” advantage is mostly attributable to higher family support. This is the first known study to examine self-esteem and attitudes toward Church policy among LGB/SSA Mormons.

Authors

• Lauren J. Joseph, Pennsylvania State University-Schuylkill

• Stephen Cranney, University of Pennsylvania