Study Finds Link Between Non-Affirming Religious Doctrines and Mental Health Challenges in LGBTQIA+ Individuals

A study conducted by researchers at McGill University has found that non-affirming religious doctrines can contribute to internalized homophobia and transphobia among LGBTQIA+ individuals, negatively impacting their mental health. The research analyzed data from 55 quantitative studies involving over 500,000 participants worldwide, highlighting a connection between exposure to non-affirming religious messages and adverse mental health outcomes for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The findings indicate that while religiosity and spirituality are often associated with improved mental health, this benefit may be undermined for LGBTQIA+ individuals when religious teachings promote non-acceptance or exclusion. The study points to internalized stigma as a key factor in this dynamic, suggesting that negative messaging within certain faith communities can lead individuals to internalize harmful beliefs about themselves. Researchers synthesized data from diverse populations across multiple countries to examine how these experiences intersect with mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and overall psychological well-being.

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Date: April 13, 2026

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GOAI