Domains Related to Four Single/Relationship Options Among Sexual Minorities Raised Conservatively Religious

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Spirituality in Clinical Practice

Volume

8

Issue

2

Publisher

American Psychological Association

Publication Date

6-1-2021

First Page

112

Last Page

131

Abstract

Sexual minorities raised conservatively religious often make relationship decisions in a context of conflicting needs and expectations. We examined group differences in a sample of 452 sexual minorities who were equally satisfied in 1 of 4 single/relationship options to promote self-determination and to understand how each group might differ from the others. Single and celibate individuals more often reported homonegative beliefs, religiousness, sex negativity, and conservative values. Single but not celibate individuals more often reported a stronger sex drive, sex positivity, homopositive beliefs, nonreligiousness, and liberal values. Those in mixed-orientation relationships more often reported a bisexual orientation, homonegative beliefs, children being important, fears of disappointing family, religiousness, and conservative values. Those in same-sex relationships more often reported strong same-sex orientation, sex positivity, homopositive beliefs, nonreligiousness, and liberal values. These findings indicate characteristics of individuals satisfied in each option that may provide a needed reference group for therapists to help clients explore self-determination in making life decisions.

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