GLBT Religious Research Group

Purpose

The primary purpose of the GLBT Religious Research Group is to learn about how gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual individuals feel about their relationship with religion and spirituality. We will be looking at how important religion is in their lives, how religion affects their beliefs about God, what religious and spiritual messages they have been exposed to, what they believe their religion thinks of their homosexuality, how religion affects what they feel about themselves, and how religion affects homosexual relationships.

Religion plays a prominent part in the lives of people. Psychological research suggests that mental well-being is affected by religious teachings. Very little research has been conducted in this area in regard to the GLBT community. The positive and/or negative effects of religion on the well being of members in the GLBT community are not known. Many people make assumptions for themselves, but no large scale investigation has been undertaken. Our team of researchers is attempting to conduct research on this topic across the nation.  

Our primary intention is to provide solid, clinical research to inform counselors, therapists, religious/spiritual organizations, and GLBT organizations about the relationship of religion and spirituality with mental health, religious/spiritual health, religious/spiritual experience, and relationship health within the GLBT population. A primary consideration is designing and conducting research which will promote psychological well-being, religious/spiritual health, and healthy relationships for GLBT individuals who desire to maintain a homosexual relationship. Additionally, the research is intended to provide research evidence which will assist in developing an affirming therapy or welcoming approach to therapy with GLBT individuals.

Disclaimer

COSPP does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, sex, color, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, ethnicity, veteran status, or political affiliation, in any policy or practice, including but not limited to admissions, academic requirements, financial aid, or any school administered program or service. It is the intention of COSPP that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on qualifications and projected ability to excel in the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program or Masters (MA) program.

COSPP and the GLBT Religious Research group recognize that a variety of personal and religious viewpoints exist about homosexuality and homosexual relationships.. The focus of the GLBT research group, as stated above, is to develop research to assist clinicians and religious/spiritual groups in working with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual individuals who wish to retain a  their same gendered relationships and also remain connected to their religious and/or spiritual life and practices. It is not the intention of COSPP or the GLBT Religious Research group to make a statement regarding the morality of homosexual behavior. COSPP is not connected in any way with any organized religious group, doctrine, or agenda. This research is academic and intended to guide clinical work. Neither COSPP nor the GLBT Religious Research Group discriminates against people based upon their person, religious, or spiritual beliefs about homosexuality or otherwise.