A Mixed Methods Analysis of the Family Support Experiences of GLBQ Latter Day Saints

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of GLBT Family Studies

Volume

12

Issue

4

Publisher

Routledge

Publication Date

12-30-2015

First Page

386

Last Page

409

Abstract

A burgeoning vein of research assesses links between familial support and psychosocial health among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer or questioning (GLBQ) individuals. This study is a cross-sectional, multimethod survey that examined these associations in highly religious families. Participants were 587 individuals who identified as GLBQ, were affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), and were between the ages of 18 and 30. Reports of early support from families were significantly associated with various measures of psychosocial health, more consistently for men than women. In addition, participants provided written narratives in response to an open-ended question asking about the reactions of their parents, family members, and faith community when they disclosed their nonheterosexual orientation. Analyses yielded a continuum of reactions with an overarching religious influence: (1) positive or affirming (2) a conditionally positive response (3) avoidance (4) distress or guilt and (5) anger or hostility. Within the nonaffirming range of responses, subthemes emerged related to specific patterns of condemnation of the person's nonheterosexual identity, including (1) change over time, and (2) embracing myth. Participants' own words are used to provide depth and richness to the observed themes.

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