Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2019 Spiritual Cognitive Dissonance in LGBTQQ People Teresa O'Flynne Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Organizational Behavior and Theory Commons, and the Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Teresa O’Flynne has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Stephen Rice, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. James Brown, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Barbara Chappell, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty The Office of the Provost Walden University 2019 Abstract Spiritual Cognitive Dissonance in LGBTQQ People by Teresa O’Flynne M.M., Fontbonne University, 1998 B.S., Fontbonne University, 1995 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Organizational Psychology Walden University November 2019 Abstract Cognitive dissonance between learned spirituality and opposing behaviors is called spiritual cognitive dissonance (SCD). SCD has been successfully proven in former research; however, to date, it has yet to offer descriptions of specific incidents of SCD and/or how it effects the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) individual. A qualitative phenomenological study in which eight participants were interviewed was employed to collect data. The study revealed how SCD manifested in their lives, specifically those who were raised within conservative, heteronormative spiritual homes. All participants were LGBTQQ and believed they had experienced SCD. The data collected during each interview were meticulously analyzed to find similarities with other participant answers and then codified for similar ideas expressed. Each individual experienced SCD in different ways. Most of the participants experienced fear, guilt and/or shame when they began to live authentically as LGBTQQ. Many revealed they had experienced suicidal ideations. Because of the danger of suicide associated with this disorder, it is important that intervention programs be developed to properly recognize and treat this illness. Places of worship should spearhead educational opportunities specifically targeting SCD in the LGBTQQ community. Secular offerings should include education at both the secondary and collegiate levels. Additionally, since SCD is not limited to the LGBTQQ community, this data may also assist therapists who aid heterosexual individuals in coping with spiritual cognitive dissonance. Spiritual Cognitive Dissonance in LGBTQQ People by Teresa O’Flynne M.M., Fontbonne University, 1998 B.S., Fontbonne University, 1995 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Organizational Psychology Walden University November 2019 Dedication I dedicate this body of work to my daughter, Abigail Bradberry, to my brother Paul Kenton Brandon-Fritzius, and to my mother, Jeannie Loughin-Herrera. My daughter and mother neither agree with my sexuality nor my choice in a place to worship. They have, however, supported me as a person and have never stopped believing that I could finish this body of work and complete my degree program. They regularly lift me up in prayer and ask about the project without judging the content. My brother, Kenton, was the person who introduced me to the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis. He actually drove me there for the first two or three visits. Once I joined the choir, he drove me to choir on multiple occasions. He has always been my biggest fan, constantly telling people how much he admires his big sister. He has always hoped for my success. Thank you all for your support and love during this seemingly never-ending process. I could not have done this without all of you. Acknowledgments I want to acknowledge the support of the United Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. I was able to work with both the local branch as well as branches in other U.S. cities. This opportunity gave me the chance to speak with LGBTQQ people from many walks of life which strengthened this research and enhanced my personal experience as well. Similarly, I would like to acknowledge the help given by Patricia A. Sartini for her suggestions which informed this project from a counselor’s perspective. I would also like to thank the members of the dissertation committee for their input and concern during the dissertation development process. Dr. Debra Davenport, my original committee chair, constantly offered excellent ideas for improvement. Dr. Stephen Rice, originally my second committee member and, following Dr. Davenport’s departure, the committee chair, was especially helpful in urging me to delve deeper into the subject. He suggested the concept of a phenomenological study which has proven an excellent method of research for this project. Dr. Jimmy Brown took on this project even though he knew little about the issue. He asked a great deal of questions which led me to better express the information contained herein. Finally, many thanks to Dr. Barbara Chappell as University Research Reviewer and Timothy McIndoo, Form and Style Reviewer, for holding my feet to the proverbial fire of the dissertation path. I thank you all for your encouragement and help muddling through this lengthy process. You have all been terrific resources and it has been greatly appreciated. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v List of Figures .................................................................................................................... vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Statement of the Problem ...................................................................................... 20 Nature of the Study ............................................................................................... 23 Research Questions and Hypotheses .................................................................... 26 Purpose of the Study ............................................................................................. 27 Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 39 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 40 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................42 Summary ......................................................................................................................42 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................45 Introduction ..................................................................................................................45 Search Strategy ............................................................................................................46 LGBTQQ Historical Context .......................................................................................47 Cultural Changes ..........................................................................................................51 Religious Underpinnings of Heterosexism ........................................................... 53 Religion and Heterosexism ..........................................................................................65 Motivational Theories ..................................................................................................67 Cognitive Dissonance ..................................................................................................73 i Definition .............................................................................................................. 73 Empirical Studies .................................................................................................. 75 Resolution ............................................................................................................. 77 Religion ................................................................................................................. 80 Spiritual Cognitive Dissonance....................................................................................88 Definition .............................................................................................................. 88 Empirical Studies .................................................................................................. 89 Symptoms ............................................................................................................