Date of Graduation
Fall 8-31-2027
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Program
Clinical Psychology (PsyD)
First Advisor
Dr. Michelle Montagno
Second Advisor
Dr. David Martinez
Third Advisor
Dr. Pierre Sherrill
Abstract
This dissertation explored the impact of Black traditional church upbringing on the sexual and religious identity development, including the subsequent mental health risk, for Black assigned female at birth (AFAB) LGBQ+ individuals. Studies conducted on Black AFAB LGBQ+ individuals are limited, especially in terms of assessing their experiences in sexual identity development based on religious upbringings. Studies have overlooked the experience of LGBQ+ Black AFAB individuals navigating sexual orientation development and religious and racial identities. Studies have greatly favored Black gay men and supported health risks such as HIV. In the present study, twelve Black AFAB Queer individuals participated in semi-structured interviews. The researcher analyzed the interviews using an thematic analysis (TA) framework. Participants shed light on the experiences of cognitive dissonance and increased risk for psychological and mental strain when navigating religious, sexual, and cultural identities. Participants identified internal factors of questioning/managing conflict, negative perceptions, and need to assess safety (physically and psychologically) that impacted their sexual and religious identity development. Participants also identified external influences, including institutional and interpersonal factors as well as coping mechanisms, as part of their identity development processes. Results showed that both external and internal factors impacted the mental health of participants. Experiences of homonegative messaging, lack of support, and dissonance all impacted when and how participants were able to explore and define their identities. Participants shared their journey of searching for self-acceptance and spirituality, acknowledging that such exploration did not always end within the traditional expectations of their upbringing in the Black church.
Recommended Citation
Sutton, A. J. (2027). Impact of Traditional (Non-Affirming) Black Church Affiliation on Exploration of Sexual Identity for Black Assigned Female at Birth LGBQ+ Individuals and the Associated Mental Health Risk. Retrieved from https://repository.usfca.edu/diss/764
Signature Page
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Submission agreement
Included in
African American Studies Commons, Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Clinical and Medical Social Work Commons, Clinical Psychology Commons, Community Health Commons, Development Studies Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons, Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy Commons, Psychological Phenomena and Processes Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
