Abstract

This study investigated how Christianity affects Black queer women's decision-making regarding seeking mental health services. Those who felt they met the inclusion criteria completed a Basic Demographic Survey. After vetting these individuals, eleven female participants—who are both Black and queer—were asked to participate in an individual semi-structured qualitative interview. The interview focused on one's journey with mental health, societal and relationship influences, Black and LGBTQ+ identity, influences from conservative, traditional, or mainstream Christianity, and sense of self. Although Christianity may not have directly impacted most of the women in this study to seek mental health services, Christianity did have an overwhelmingly negative impact on these women's mental health and their queer identities both directly (i.e., church or the Bible) and indirectly (familial and societal beliefs rooted in Christianity). Due to the intersectionality of racial, sexual, and gender identities, this research will help look at how mental health professionals, Christians, and researchers can address those in this population.

Keywords: Black, lesbian, bisexual, LGBTQ+, queer, women, Christianity, mental health services, mental health fields, community, sense of self, religion, sexuality, gender, gender roles, Black church, evangelicalism, mental health, faith, conservatism, traditional Christianity

Thesis Completion

2023

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Chapple, Reshawna

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Social Work

Degree Program

Social Work

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-15-2023

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