Lived Experiences, Psychosexual Health Perspectives, and Sexuality Expression of Members and Former Members of Conservative Religious Congregations: A Qualitative Study

Abstract This research aimed to explore the psychosexual perceptions and experiences of members and former members of conservative religious congregations to understand their implications for the mental and psychosexual health of these individuals. To this end, a study was conducted based on the responses of 27 participants who filled out an online questionnaire. Of this sample, most respondents were Portuguese or currently living in Portugal, which leads to increased insight into a phenomenon that has not been adequately addressed or explored in Portugal. The data were subjected to a thematic analysis, which identified seven recurring themes: social context, expression of sexuality, minority groups, expression of sexuality by minority groups, mental health, prejudice and discrimination, and areas needing improvement. The qualitative nature of this investigation made it possible to explore a reality, lived in the first person, that is marked by the influence of LGBTphobia, sexism, and religious conservatism in the silencing and concealment of the sexual expression of members and former members of conservative religious congregations and the consequent victimization practices and effects on mental health.