Cultural Collectivism, Religiosity, and Internalized Homophobia in Gay Men
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Authors
Cummerlander, Robert
Issue Date
2014
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
"Individualism","Collectivism","Internalized Homophobia","Religiosity"
Alternative Title
Abstract
One hundred and forty-four diverse gay adult men were sampled from various religious faiths to determine the relationship between collectivism, religiosity, and internalized homophobia. Participants were administered a demographic questionnaire and three instruments: The shortened Individualism-Collectivist Scale (INDCOL-SF), the Religious Commitment Inventory (RCI- 10), and the Internalized Homophobia Scale (IHS). A correlational approach was used to analyze Collectivism, Religiosity, and Internalized Homophobia. For this study, two specific subscales of Collectivism were assessed: Ingroup Solidarity and Social Obligation. Results indicated lower internalized homophobia in gay men who scored higher on Ingroup Solidarity. Findings for Social Obligation and Internalized Homophobia, Ingroup Solidarity and Religiosity, and Social Obligation and Religiosity were not significant. Additional analyses were run to investigate the relationship between Religiosity and Internalized Homophobia, and results indicated a significant positive correlation, consistent with the literature. This study emphasizes the importance of familial and friend relationships that are accepting of homosexuality as a means of support for gay men and their role in decreasing internalized homophobia. Clinical recommendations include strengthening support systems for gay male clients to promote closeness in relationships that are accepting regardless of one's cultural identification (e.g., individualist or collectivist) and willingness to explore cultural and religious beliefs that may contain stereotypes and prejudices that promote homophobic beliefs. Suggestions for further study are discussed.