Reconciling Christianity and Positive Non-Heterosexual Identity in Adolescence, with Implications for Psychological Well-Being

ABSTRACT The study examined mental health outcomes for samesex attracted youth with a Christian background based on their differential internalization of attitudes toward homosexuality and gay issues that are socialized by most major Christian denominations. Data from 339 young men and 56 young women ages 13–25 who participated in the OutProud/Oasis Internet Survey of Queer and Questioning Youth were analyzed. In comparison to those who reported “no conflict” between their religious and sexual identities, youth who did not adopt a lesbian/gay/bisexual identity and believed change in sexual orientation is possible had higher internalized homophobia. Those who left Christianity and had difficulty believing God loves them had both higher internalized homophobia and poorer mental health. Responses from youth who resolved or ignored the conflict were not significantly different from those who experienced no conflict.