Religiosity and LGBTQ+ Affirmative Practice Among Filipino Mental Health Professionals
摘要
The LGBTQ+ community often experience mental health problems due to minority stress prompting them to access mental health services. However, religious biases may challenge mental health professionals when providing services to their LGBTQ+ clients. This study used a sequential explanatory mixed methods design to examine the relationship between religiosity and LGBTQ+ affirmative practice among 203 Filipino mental health professionals who have delivered mental health services to LGBTQ+ clients. Phase I examined the relationship between religiosity and affirmative practice as measured by the Interreligious Centrality of Religiosity-20 Scale and Gay Affirmative Practice Scale, respectively, which was sequentially followed by a phenomenological investigation in Phase II. Our quantitative findings revealed no significant relationship between religiosity and LGBTQ+ affirmative practice which was further explained by our qualitative analysis. Five themes emerged in this study as significantly influencing LGBTQ+ affirmative practice among Filipino mental health professionals other than religiosity: (1) Upholding Ethical Principles in Professional Practice, (2) Separating Religion from Professional Practice, (3) Using Religion as a Basis to Support LGBTQ+ People, (4) Affirming the Shared Humanity of LGBTQ+ Clients, and (5) Applying Professional Training as a Foundation for LGBTQ+ Affirmative Practice). Our findings highlight the essential roles of other factors that influence the practice of Filipino mental health practitioners to be more affirmative and inclusive of the needs of LGBTQ+ clients in the country.