Coping with Conflict: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis of the Sexual Orientation/Religious Identity Conflict Literature

This qualitative meta-synthesis examines ways in which sexual minorities navigate sexual orientation/religious identity conflict. We searched two databases, PsycINFO and SocINDEX with Full Text, between January 1, 2011, and January 4, 2025, for published, peer-reviewed, qualitative journal articles. We included studies involving sexual orientation/religious identity conflict and reporting coping strategies to reduce the conflict. Thirty-four studies were included, with most using predominantly White, Christian participants from the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. Results show participants used coping strategies such as disaffiliating from religion, critically studying religious texts, and seeking out value-affirming environments. The meta-synthesis also revealed novel strategies, wherein participants avoided conflict by rejecting labels and focusing on contextual behaviors instead. Using both social identity theory and identity theory as guiding theoretical frameworks, the meta-synthesis explores these strategies and situates them within a larger westernized societal context. Societal norms and expectations that often position sexual orientation and religious identities as incompatible are also discussed. The meta-synthesis concludes with a call for research using more diverse religious groups and more inclusive sexual orientation identity criteria.