Examining the relationship between religiosity, professional identity development and attitudes about sexual minority orientation
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Despite improved attitudes regarding sexual minority orientation, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals continue to experience considerable stigma, discrimination, and victimization in American society. LGBT individuals exhibit increased rates of psychological symptoms because of stress associated with having a sexual minority orientation and have higher utilization rates of mental health services than heterosexuals. This study explored the impact of religiosity on counselor attitudes about sexual minority orientation. The relationship between professional identity development, religiosity, and attitudes about sexual minority orientation was examined. Specific objectives of this study were to (1) identify counselor characteristics that impact attitudes about sexual minority orientation; (2) explore the relationship between religiosity and attitudes towards gay and lesbian individuals; and, (3) explore the impact of professional identity development on attitudes about sexual minority orientation. Results from this study did not find significant differences in attitudes towards gay and lesbian individuals between counselors of difference races, gender, level of education, or years of experience. Religious counselors endorsed more positive attitudes towards gay and lesbian individuals as compared to nonreligious counselors. Professional identity development did not mediate the relationship between religiosity and attitudes towards gay and lesbian individuals.