Religiosity as a protective factor against heavy episodic drinking (HED) in heterosexual, bisexual, gay, and lesbian young adults

Citation

Rostosky, Sharon Scales; Danner, Fred; & Riggle, Ellen D. B. (2010). Religiosity as a protective factor against heavy episodic drinking (HED) in heterosexual, bisexual, gay, and lesbian young adults. Journal of Homosexuality. vol. 57 (8) pp. 1039-1050

Abstract

Although religiosity has been shown to be associated with positive outcomes in studies of general population samples, few studies have considered the potential differential effect of religiosity on those who are consolidating gay, lesbian, or bisexual (GLB) identities. Logistic regression analyses using a sample of 13,038 emerging adults from the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health) revealed main effects for religiosity and a significant religiosity × sexual identity interaction in women. Specifically, religiosity was protective against alcohol use and heavy episodic drinking (HED) in heterosexual women, but not lesbian women. In bisexual women, higher religiosity increased the odds of alcohol use and HED. Among men, religiosity was protective, with no differential effects based on sexual identity. Prevention efforts should consider that individual religiosity may be a risk, rather than protective factor for some young adults.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2010.503515

Keyword(s)

Alcohol Religion

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Homosexuality

Author(s)

Rostosky, Sharon Scales
Danner, Fred
Riggle, Ellen D. B.

Year Published

2010

Volume Number

57

Issue Number

8

Pages

1039-1050

DOI

10.1080/00918369.2010.503515

Reference ID

1245