LGBTQ Youth: An Exploration Of The Relationship Between The Coming Out Process And Spiritual Intelligence

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between coming out and spiritual intelligence in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. An online survey that utilized the Gay Identity Questionnaire (GIQ) and the Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory (SISRI) was used to investigate this relationship. Spiritual intelligence is a relatively new concept in the social work field as a method of healing and growing. This can, however, play a potentially important role in empowering LGBTQ youth to overcome negative experiences associated with the coming out process. The results of this study indicate no significant relationship between the GIQ and SISRI. There are, however, several significant findings among demographic variables and the two questionnaires. The most intriguing outcomes were the significant differences in SISRI among religious backgrounds, current affiliations, and religious involvement. Future research is needed to investigate the complexities of spiritual intelligence among LGBTQ youth.