Date of Award:

5-2013

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

Melanie M. Domenech Rodríguez

Committee

Melanie M. Domenech Rodríguez

Committee

Scott C. Bates

Committee

Renée V. Galliher

Committee

Mark A. Nafziger

Committee

Michael P. Twohig

Abstract

This study was designed to facilitate the development and assessment of a group therapeutic intervention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning individuals. Previous research has established that this population is particularly vulnerable to psychological distress and that religiosity contributes to this vulnerability, but there have been no interventions established specifically for the population of sexual minorities who are experiencing religious conflict. The components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy were used to inform the development of a group intervention, which was then carried out. An assessment battery of numerous quantitative measures was given to participants before and after the intervention to assess the usefulness and effectiveness of the intervention. Participants reported increased quality of life and reduced psychological distress following the intervention, relative to a control group. Analysis of the collected data revealed additional information about the relationship between religiosity, authoritarianism, and attitudes towards sexual minorities. This information is presented as well as recommendations for future research in this area.

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