Does Rejecting an LGB identity label negatively effect mental health? A study of same-sex attracted Mormon adults

Abstract

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), beliefs about same sex sexual attraction are carefully differentiated from beliefs about same sex sexual behavior and LGB identity labels. In the LDS church, same-sex attraction is accepted, but same sex behavior and LGB identity labels are viewed as sinful (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 2007). This conflict between religious and sexual identities can complicate sexual identity development for individuals who experience same-sex attraction, and lead some same-sex attracted individuals to reject an LGB identity label (Label Rejecters). The present study uses data from the Four Options survey to examine the relationship between rejecting an LGB identity label and mental health outcomes in a sample of same-sex attracted Mormon adults. Although Label Rejecters were significantly more religious than LGB individuals, the two groups did not differ on resolution between religious and sexual identities. Furthermore, Label Rejecters demonstrated significantly higher levels of internalized homonegativity. The results of this study will increase our understanding of the effects of rejecting an LGB identity label on well being, while also expanding our knowledge of minority sexual identity development in LDS individuals.