| Description |
In recent years, there has been more discussion around the trauma and trauma responses that come from being a queer individual (one who identifies with members of the LGBTQIA+ community) inside a high-demand religion that does not affirm existence or behaviors of LGBTQ+ individuals. Emerging literature suggests that existing in an environment where, as a queer individual, one inherently does not feel respected or safe can lead to depressive, CPTSD, and scrupulosity symptoms, as well as significantly detract from feelings of social safety (Christensen, 2022). Lower sense of self-worth, relationship conflicts with family, the church, and a higher power, depression, and in severe cases, suicide, can all be consequences of existing in these kind of environments as a queer person (Bradshaw, 2015). However, previous research has failed to fully measure the effect that the timing and length of participation and membership in these religious institutions have on the severity and symptomatology of the trauma experienced. This study is a follow-up from one conducted in December of 2021, which looked specifically at queer individuals in the LDS church (Latter Day Saints). The same participants were contacted to measure any changes from two years ago. In addition to this, the survey was also open to new participants. The new survey included questions that were not asked in the first survey but have proved themselves relevant. This included asking more questions about the amount of time spent in the LDS church and how devoted the individual was during these times. This line of questioning was undertaken so one can see how timing and duration correlates with trauma symptomatology. |
