Effect of religiosity on the self-esteem and life satisfaction of lesbians and gay men

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate any potential relationships in the variables by means of a quasi-experimental research design examining differences between the independent variable sexual orientation across the dependant variables religiosity, self-esteem and life satisfaction. The sample consisted of 157 participants (M=87, F=70). Participants completed an online survey comprised of the Rohrbaugh & Jessor Religiosity Measure, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and The Satisfaction With Life Scale. Results showed that there was a significant relationship between religiosity and sexual orientation, with heterosexual participants having higher religiosity. There was not a significant relationship between sexual orientation and self-esteem between the two groups. Results also showed no significant relationship between sexual orientation and life satisfaction between the two groups. The study concludes that there is no significance between sexual orientation and religiosity in relation to self-esteem and life satisfaction for lesbians and gay men.