Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair and Members

Sara Haden (Chair)

Philip Wong

Joan Duncan

Keywords

Internalized homophobia, LGBTQ health, Non-affirming religion Religion, Sexual identity development, Sexual satisfaction

Abstract

Internalized homophobia is a common component of the LGBTQ developmental experience which impacts sexual identity development (Peterson & Gerrity, 2006; Rowan & Malcom, 2003). As well, many LGBTQ people raised in Christian religious communities frequently grow up in environments which are not affirming of their sexualities (Barnes & Meyer, 2012; Boppana & Gross, 2019; Herek et al., 2009; Ream & Savin-Williams, 2005; Rodriquez & Oullette, 2000). While much research considers the impact of these minority stressors on LGBTQ well-being (Frost & Meyer, 2009; Herek et al. 2009; Keating & Muller, 2020), fewer consider the specific impact on sexual well- being. In particular, research is lacking in consider how these three variables, particularly the distinction of non-affirming versus affirming religions, interact to impact LGBTQ sexual satisfaction in adulthood. The present study examined whether or not sexual identity development mediated the relationship between internalized homophobia and sexual satisfaction, and whether or not a non-affirming religious upbringing moderated this effect. Results from a sample of 214 LGBTQ adults showed that that as sexual identity development decreased and internalized homophobia increased, sexual satisfaction was lower. Religious upbringing had no effect in this model, however, and exploratory analyses of participant data showed that non-affirming religious upbringings predicted greater internalized homophobia. Qualitative analysis of participant data demonstrated that participants raised in non-affirming religions experienced subjective feelings of rejection, shame, and delayed sexual development. Findings, limitations, and implications of the study, as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.

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