Date of Award:

8-2021

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Psychology

Committee Chair(s)

G. Tyler Lefevor

Committee

G. Tyler Lefevor

Committee

Melanie M. Domenech Rodríguez

Committee

Renee V. Galliher

Abstract

This study aimed to provide insights into the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer/questioning (LGBQ) people within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (CJCLDS), and to explore how aspects of sexuality and religiousness relate to suicidal ideation. Through survey data from 910 participants across two separate studies, several conclusions were drawn. Feelings of belongingness in the CJCLDS may predict decreased suicidal ideation. LGBQ belongingness led CJCLDS service attendance to be more strongly predictive of suicidal ideation, whereas it decreased the negative effects of feeling negatively toward one’s sexual identity. More generally, concealing one’s sexual identity, feeling negatively toward one’s sexual identity, and frequently attending CJCLDS services predicted increased suicidal ideation. However, when participants felt they belonged in the CJCLDS or LGBQ communities, concealing one’s sexual orientation became more strongly related to suicidal ideation. These findings may be due to internal conflict experienced when concealing one’s identity from people and a community with whom one feels they belong. I suggest that clinicians working with religious LGBQ individuals should encourage clients who wish to remain in the CJCLDS to seek a deeper sense of belongingness to the CJCLDS, which can help protect against suicidal ideation and decrease the adverse effects of feeling negatively toward one’s sexual identity.

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