The Relationship of Spirituality, Religiosity and Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men Among Students at a Faith-Based Institution

Author

Megan C. Cormier CastanedaFollow

Date of Award

1-2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Bill Buhrow, PsyD

Second Advisor

Joel Gregor, PsyD

Third Advisor

Mark Yarhouse, PsyD

Abstract

Research indicates heterosexual students at faith-based universities often hold negative attitudes toward gay men and lesbian women. The factors that can influence these attitudes are complex. This study examines the relationship between attitudes toward gay men and lesbian women, religiosity and spirituality in students who are enrolled in a faith-based institution. A correlation was run to examine the relationship between these variables along with further statistical analyses to gather more information. There is a small positive relationship between higher levels of spirituality and positive attitudes toward gay men and lesbians. There is a medium positive relationship between high levels of religiosity and positive attitudes toward gay men and lesbians. On average, females had more positive attitudes toward both gay men and lesbian women. However, religiosity and spirituality are very low predictors of attitudes toward lesbians and gay men.

Recommended Citation

Cormier Castaneda, Megan C., "The Relationship of Spirituality, Religiosity and Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gay Men Among Students at a Faith-Based Institution" (2019). Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). 260.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/psyd/260