How Does Christian Religious Affiliation Influence Therapists' Beliefs about Sexual Orientation and Competence Working with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between therapists' religious affiliation, their beliefs about sexual orientation in general and about lesbian and gay clients in particular. Specifically, therapists' who self-identified as belonging to one of the three most prevalent religious denominations in the United States, which include; the Roman Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Church, and the United Methodist Church. This study utilized an existing data set consisting of 759 participants who were clinical members of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). In general participants reported relatively low levels of homophobia. Overall, participants reported that they somewhat agree to agree that they feel competent working with LGB clients. In general participants were supportive of AAMFT's position statements regarding equality for same-sex couples and families. Overall, participants reported that reparative therapy is unethical. In general participants reported that it is ethical to refer clients based solely on their sexual orientation.