Looking Long Term: USU Researchers Studying Intersection Between LGBT+ Mental Health, Religion
By Taylor Emerson |
Video by Taylor Emerson, Digital Journalist, University Marketing & Communications
USU researchers are now in their third year of a 10-year longitudinal study of the intersection of LGBT+ mental health and religiousness.
USU Psychology Associate Professor Tyler Lefevor and doctoral student Sam Skidmore, among other graduate and undergraduate students, are trying to determine how this interplay of experiences is affecting sexual and gender minorities so they can better inform therapy and ministry practices, as well as public policy decisions. They have analyzed quantitative data from several hundred LGBT+ current and former Latter-day Saints looking at helpful and unhelpful practices in the spirit of both promoting the health of LGBT+ Utah residents and acknowledging the tension that those who love them sometimes hold against family members or friends.
The following five research-based recommendations are provided by Lefevor and Skidmore for how people with strong religious convictions may best support the LGBT+ people they love:
- Prioritize listening and understanding in interpersonal interactions.
- Learn more about LGBT+ individuals and their experiences.
- Have authentic and meaningful conversations.
- Respect others' autonomy.
- Offer unconditional love and support.
VIDEOGRAPHER
Taylor Emerson
Digital Journalist
University Marketing and Communications
(435) 797-2262
Taylor.Emerson@usu.edu
CONTACT
Alicia Richmond
Director of Public Relations & Marketing
Emma Eccles Jones College of Education & Human Services
alicia.richmond@usu.edu
TOPICS
Research 878stories Diversity & Inclusion 252stories Religion 38stories Social Sciences 32storiesComments and questions regarding this article may be directed to the contact person listed on this page.
