Masters Theses

Orcid ID

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0639-1036

Date of Award

5-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Psychology

Major Professor

Kirsten Gonzalez

Committee Members

Dawn Szymanski, Joe Miles

Abstract

Recent research has identified authenticity as an aspect of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB+) positive identity that is distinct from coming out. Authenticity refers to an inner sense of peace and comfort with one’s LGB+ identity and is consistently linked to positive psychological outcomes in this population. However, there is limited research on how authenticity can be facilitated among LGB+ adults. Spirituality may be a potential source of support for LGB+ individuals that can reduce the negative effects of minority stress and promote authenticity by facilitating greater self-compassion and psychological flexibility. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between spirituality and authenticity, as mediated by self-compassion, psychological inflexibility, and internalized heterosexism, in a sample of LGB+ adults. Participants (n = 577) completed an online survey with self-report measures on spirituality, self-compassion, psychological inflexibility, internalized heterosexism, and authenticity. Results from a structural equation modeling analysis indicated that spirituality was indirectly linked to authenticity through serial meditation, such that self-compassion mediated the relationship between spirituality and psychological inflexibility, which in turn mediated the relationship between self-compassion and internalized heterosexism, which in turn mediated the relationship between psychological inflexibility and authenticity. These findings have important implications for interventions designed to support the well-being and identity development of LGB+ individuals.

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