On the Links Between Exposure to Traumatic Events in Religious Contexts, Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms, and a Positive Perception of God’s Image Among Jewish Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals in Israel

This study constitutes one of the first investigations aiming to examine the association between traumatic experiences within religious settings and symptoms of post-traumatic stress among religious lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. Furthermore, the study tested whether the anticipated positive link between those traumatic experiences and post-traumtic stress is influenced by a positive perception of God’s image. The sample consisted of 146 Israeli Jewish lesbians, gays, and bisexuals who professed a belief in God or demonstrated religious inclinations either presently or in the past. They completed self-report measures via an online questionnaire, assessing traumatic experiences within religious settings, post-traumtic stress symptoms, and positive perceptions of God’s image. The findings revealed a significant and robust positive connection between traumatic experiences within religious settings and post-traumtic stress. A positive perception of God’s image exhibited a negative correlation with post-traumtic stress but did not moderate the relationship traumatic experiences within religious settings and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. These findings highlight the significance of traumatic experiences within religious settings as a distinct potential risk factor of post-traumtic stress among lesbians, gays, and bisexuals and underscore the necessity of enhancing awareness among mental health professionals, religious leaders, and legal entities regarding the detrimental effects of those expereinces.