Homophobia, Irrationality, and Christian Ideology: Does a Relationship Exist?

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between homophobia, irrational beliefs, and religious ideology. The sample consisted of 154 students enrolled in a Health and Wellness course at a southern US university. Students anonymously and voluntarily completed Ellis' Irrational Beliefs Scale, the Homophobia Scale, and the Doctrinal Label Scale of Christian Ideology. The results showed a significant positive correlation between both conservative Christian ideology and irrational beliefs with the Homophobia Scale. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between conservative Christian ideology and irrational beliefs. Of all the studied variables, conservative Christian religious ideology was the best predictor of homophobia. Personal interaction with homosexual individuals was associated with less homophobia.