Denise L Levy
Biographic Data
| ID | 324532 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Denise L Levy |
| GIVEN NAMES | Denise L |
| FAMILY NAME | Levy |
| SIGNATURE | LEVY D L |
| AFFILIATIONS | Appalachian State University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-9409-5551 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 16 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 80 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 16 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2007 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2022 |
| H-INDEX | 5 |
Religious and spiritual journeys of LGBT older adults in rural Southern Appalachia
This article reports on religious and spiritual experiences of 11 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or trans*-identified (LGBT) older adults in rural southern Appalachia. Template analysis of interview data yielded themes including: harmful experiences with Christianity in childhood and adulthood, religion and spirituality as sources of support, current participation in supportive Christian churches, and personalized approaches to spirituality and reli…
LGBTQ+ people’s religious and spiritual experiences in the Covid-19 pandemic
Personal religion and spirituality can be sources of strength during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from a larger study of LGBTQ+ wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, this article reports on the faith and spirituality of LGBTQ+ adults in the United States. Nearly 700 diverse LGBTQ+ individuals were recruited via Qualtrics Panel. Analysis showed that those who prayed more and who were religious or spiritual prior to the pandemic w…
“We shared a heartbeat”
Although prior research has demonstrated that faith communities, religiosity, and/or religious af?liation can be risk factors for depression, suicide, and substance abuse among LGBTQ+ people, there is also promising evidence of the protective functions of faith communities for LGBTQ+ people. This study’s purpose was to explore what draws LGBTQ+ people to stay in faith communities. The data were collected from a sampling pool recruited at a nation…
I never felt like there was a place for me
Popular and scholarly literature describes the conflicts experienced by some gay and lesbian Christians, but less is known about the unique experiences of bisexual and pansexual populations. The purpose of this study was to understand the process by which bisexual and pansexual individuals with a Christian upbringing resolved conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Grounded theory analysis of 17 interviews revealed a fluid and mul…
When love meets hate
Spirituality, Religion, and Faith in Psychotherapy
Health and mental health settings are embracing the use of expressive arts therapies as evidence-based, holistic treatment methods. Simultaneously, social workers, counselors, and clinicians are in
Religious Tradition, Religiosity, or Everyday Theologies? Unpacking Religion's Relationship to Support for Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage among a College Student Sample
This study explores the differential impact of religious tradition, religiosity, and everyday theologies on support for legalizing same-sex marriage among a sample of undergraduate college students. The findings suggest that among college students in the United States the group of everyday theologies-personal religious beliefs that emerge through individuals' lived experiences and social interactions-that we examine has a larger influence on atti…
Transgender, Transsexual, and Gender Queer Individuals with a Christian Upbringing
Individuals who identify as transgender, transsexual, or gender queer and Christian can face a unique set of challenges in attempting to integrate their faith and gender identity. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the process by which individuals with a Christian upbringing resolve conflict between their gender identity and religious beliefs. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed a model with the following fluid stages:…
Preparing Students for Research and for Work with the Transgender Population
In an effort to provide opportunities for social work students to develop competencies for research and for working with transgender individuals, the authors paired content in two separate undergraduate courses: cultural competence and research methods. A qualitative research study was designed to assess the impact of this curricular approach. Following completion of the two courses, students participated in focus groups to discuss their experien…
On the Outside Looking In? The Experience of Being a Straight, Cisgender Qualitative Researcher
Research with disenfranchised and marginalized populations is often completed by those traditionally considered outsiders who are not part of the studied population. The history of outsider research has been somewhat tumultuous, and some outsider researchers have manipulated participants or carried out unethical studies. However, the insider/outsider dichotomy is overly simplistic and does not always accurately reflect the researcher position. Us…
Sexual Identity, Gender Identity, and a Christian Upbringing
This article compares the results of two qualitative studies, the first examining conflict between sexual identity and a Christian upbringing and the second examining conflict between gender identity and a Christian upbringing. After briefly reviewing the theoretical frameworks, methodology, and results of these two studies, similarities and differences will be discussed. Finally, this article will offer implications for theory and practice as we…
Sexual Prejudice among Christian College Students, Denominational Teachings, and Personal Religious Beliefs
Although numerous studies have examined the role of religious tradition and religiosity on attitudes toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, the role of endorsement of denominational teachings has largely been overlooked, even though such teachings are often cited to explain study findings. To better understand the complex relationship between religion and sexual prejudice, this study explores the unique contributions of religious tradition, re…
The Importance of Personal and Contextual Factors in Resolving Conflict Between Sexual Identity and Christian Upbringing
This study explores how gay, lesbian, and queer (GLQ) individuals who are raised in Christian families resolve conflict between their sexual identity and religious beliefs. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 GLQ participants who revealed a five-stage process by which they resolved conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Analysis of interview transcripts delineated core categories of personal factors (reflective abili…
Resolving Identity Conflict
Gay, lesbian, and queer individuals with a Christian upbringing often experience conflict between religion and sexual identity. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to understand how gay, lesbian, and queer-identified individuals with a Christian upbringing resolve conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Analysis of in-depth interviews with 15 participants led to 3 conclusions. First, resolving the discord between sexual …
Gay and Lesbian Identity Development
Social work literature on the topic of gay and lesbian identity development is sparse. Although some texts do include sections on social work practice with gay and lesbian individuals, rarely is this information presented within the broader context of the history of sexuality and contemporary gay and lesbian theory. Practitioners, students, and researchers often have to look outside the field to find resources on this topic. In an effort to advan…
Social Justice and Lesbian Feminism
Trends in contemporary social work include the use of an eclectic theory base. In an effort to incorporate multiple theories, this article will examine the social problem of homophobia using two different theoretical perspectives: John Rawls' theory of social justice and lesbian feminist theory.Homophobia, a current social problem, can be defined as 'dislike or hatred toward homosexuals, including both cultural and personal biases against homosex…
Resolving Identity Conflict
Gay, lesbian, and queer individuals with a Christian upbringing often experience conflict between religion and sexual identity. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to understand how gay, lesbian, and queer-identified individuals with a Christian upbringing resolve conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Analysis of in-depth interviews with 15 participants led to 3 conclusions. First, resolving the discord between sexual …
On the Outside Looking In? The Experience of Being a Straight, Cisgender Qualitative Researcher
Research with disenfranchised and marginalized populations is often completed by those traditionally considered outsiders who are not part of the studied population. The history of outsider research has been somewhat tumultuous, and some outsider researchers have manipulated participants or carried out unethical studies. However, the insider/outsider dichotomy is overly simplistic and does not always accurately reflect the researcher position. Us…
When love meets hate
Sexual Prejudice among Christian College Students, Denominational Teachings, and Personal Religious Beliefs
Although numerous studies have examined the role of religious tradition and religiosity on attitudes toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, the role of endorsement of denominational teachings has largely been overlooked, even though such teachings are often cited to explain study findings. To better understand the complex relationship between religion and sexual prejudice, this study explores the unique contributions of religious tradition, re…
Gay and Lesbian Identity Development
Social work literature on the topic of gay and lesbian identity development is sparse. Although some texts do include sections on social work practice with gay and lesbian individuals, rarely is this information presented within the broader context of the history of sexuality and contemporary gay and lesbian theory. Practitioners, students, and researchers often have to look outside the field to find resources on this topic. In an effort to advan…
Sexual Identity, Gender Identity, and a Christian Upbringing
This article compares the results of two qualitative studies, the first examining conflict between sexual identity and a Christian upbringing and the second examining conflict between gender identity and a Christian upbringing. After briefly reviewing the theoretical frameworks, methodology, and results of these two studies, similarities and differences will be discussed. Finally, this article will offer implications for theory and practice as we…
The Importance of Personal and Contextual Factors in Resolving Conflict Between Sexual Identity and Christian Upbringing
This study explores how gay, lesbian, and queer (GLQ) individuals who are raised in Christian families resolve conflict between their sexual identity and religious beliefs. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 GLQ participants who revealed a five-stage process by which they resolved conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Analysis of interview transcripts delineated core categories of personal factors (reflective abili…
I never felt like there was a place for me
Popular and scholarly literature describes the conflicts experienced by some gay and lesbian Christians, but less is known about the unique experiences of bisexual and pansexual populations. The purpose of this study was to understand the process by which bisexual and pansexual individuals with a Christian upbringing resolved conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Grounded theory analysis of 17 interviews revealed a fluid and mul…
Religious Tradition, Religiosity, or Everyday Theologies? Unpacking Religion's Relationship to Support for Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage among a College Student Sample
This study explores the differential impact of religious tradition, religiosity, and everyday theologies on support for legalizing same-sex marriage among a sample of undergraduate college students. The findings suggest that among college students in the United States the group of everyday theologies-personal religious beliefs that emerge through individuals' lived experiences and social interactions-that we examine has a larger influence on atti…
Social Justice and Lesbian Feminism
Trends in contemporary social work include the use of an eclectic theory base. In an effort to incorporate multiple theories, this article will examine the social problem of homophobia using two different theoretical perspectives: John Rawls' theory of social justice and lesbian feminist theory.Homophobia, a current social problem, can be defined as 'dislike or hatred toward homosexuals, including both cultural and personal biases against homosex…
Gay and Lesbian Identity Development
Social work literature on the topic of gay and lesbian identity development is sparse. Although some texts do include sections on social work practice with gay and lesbian individuals, rarely is this information presented within the broader context of the history of sexuality and contemporary gay and lesbian theory. Practitioners, students, and researchers often have to look outside the field to find resources on this topic. In an effort to advan…
Resolving Identity Conflict
Gay, lesbian, and queer individuals with a Christian upbringing often experience conflict between religion and sexual identity. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to understand how gay, lesbian, and queer-identified individuals with a Christian upbringing resolve conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Analysis of in-depth interviews with 15 participants led to 3 conclusions. First, resolving the discord between sexual …
The Importance of Personal and Contextual Factors in Resolving Conflict Between Sexual Identity and Christian Upbringing
This study explores how gay, lesbian, and queer (GLQ) individuals who are raised in Christian families resolve conflict between their sexual identity and religious beliefs. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 GLQ participants who revealed a five-stage process by which they resolved conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Analysis of interview transcripts delineated core categories of personal factors (reflective abili…
Transgender, Transsexual, and Gender Queer Individuals with a Christian Upbringing
Individuals who identify as transgender, transsexual, or gender queer and Christian can face a unique set of challenges in attempting to integrate their faith and gender identity. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the process by which individuals with a Christian upbringing resolve conflict between their gender identity and religious beliefs. Analysis of interview transcripts revealed a model with the following fluid stages:…
Preparing Students for Research and for Work with the Transgender Population
In an effort to provide opportunities for social work students to develop competencies for research and for working with transgender individuals, the authors paired content in two separate undergraduate courses: cultural competence and research methods. A qualitative research study was designed to assess the impact of this curricular approach. Following completion of the two courses, students participated in focus groups to discuss their experien…
On the Outside Looking In? The Experience of Being a Straight, Cisgender Qualitative Researcher
Research with disenfranchised and marginalized populations is often completed by those traditionally considered outsiders who are not part of the studied population. The history of outsider research has been somewhat tumultuous, and some outsider researchers have manipulated participants or carried out unethical studies. However, the insider/outsider dichotomy is overly simplistic and does not always accurately reflect the researcher position. Us…
Sexual Identity, Gender Identity, and a Christian Upbringing
This article compares the results of two qualitative studies, the first examining conflict between sexual identity and a Christian upbringing and the second examining conflict between gender identity and a Christian upbringing. After briefly reviewing the theoretical frameworks, methodology, and results of these two studies, similarities and differences will be discussed. Finally, this article will offer implications for theory and practice as we…
Sexual Prejudice among Christian College Students, Denominational Teachings, and Personal Religious Beliefs
Although numerous studies have examined the role of religious tradition and religiosity on attitudes toward lesbian, gay, and bisexual people, the role of endorsement of denominational teachings has largely been overlooked, even though such teachings are often cited to explain study findings. To better understand the complex relationship between religion and sexual prejudice, this study explores the unique contributions of religious tradition, re…
Religious Tradition, Religiosity, or Everyday Theologies? Unpacking Religion's Relationship to Support for Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage among a College Student Sample
This study explores the differential impact of religious tradition, religiosity, and everyday theologies on support for legalizing same-sex marriage among a sample of undergraduate college students. The findings suggest that among college students in the United States the group of everyday theologies-personal religious beliefs that emerge through individuals' lived experiences and social interactions-that we examine has a larger influence on atti…
Spirituality, Religion, and Faith in Psychotherapy
Health and mental health settings are embracing the use of expressive arts therapies as evidence-based, holistic treatment methods. Simultaneously, social workers, counselors, and clinicians are in
When love meets hate
I never felt like there was a place for me
Popular and scholarly literature describes the conflicts experienced by some gay and lesbian Christians, but less is known about the unique experiences of bisexual and pansexual populations. The purpose of this study was to understand the process by which bisexual and pansexual individuals with a Christian upbringing resolved conflict between sexual identity and religious beliefs. Grounded theory analysis of 17 interviews revealed a fluid and mul…
“We shared a heartbeat”
Although prior research has demonstrated that faith communities, religiosity, and/or religious af?liation can be risk factors for depression, suicide, and substance abuse among LGBTQ+ people, there is also promising evidence of the protective functions of faith communities for LGBTQ+ people. This study’s purpose was to explore what draws LGBTQ+ people to stay in faith communities. The data were collected from a sampling pool recruited at a nation…
Religious and spiritual journeys of LGBT older adults in rural Southern Appalachia
This article reports on religious and spiritual experiences of 11 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or trans*-identified (LGBT) older adults in rural southern Appalachia. Template analysis of interview data yielded themes including: harmful experiences with Christianity in childhood and adulthood, religion and spirituality as sources of support, current participation in supportive Christian churches, and personalized approaches to spirituality and reli…
LGBTQ+ people’s religious and spiritual experiences in the Covid-19 pandemic
Personal religion and spirituality can be sources of strength during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from a larger study of LGBTQ+ wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, this article reports on the faith and spirituality of LGBTQ+ adults in the United States. Nearly 700 diverse LGBTQ+ individuals were recruited via Qualtrics Panel. Analysis showed that those who prayed more and who were religious or spiritual prior to the pandemic w…
Psychology (16 works) · Sociology (15 works) · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy (13 works) · Social Psychology (12 works) · Gender Studies (11 works) · Lesbian (10 works) · Gender Studies (7 works) · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology (7 works) · Social Psychology (7 works) · Epistemology (6 works)