Gender identity development of individuals in emerging adulthood: A phenomenological research on the relationship between gender identity and religious education

The purpose of the research is to examine the relationship between religious education and sexual identity development among individuals in emerging adulthood. Phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The population of the research consists of individuals aged 18-25 studying in the fields of health, social and science at İnönü University. Criterion sampling method, one of the purposive sampling techniques, was used to select a sample group of 24 young individuals. Semi-structured interview forms were developed to collect qualitative data. The interviews revealed that religious education received within family and religious education institutions can affect the sexual identity development of individuals. Participants stated that there is insufficient education on sexual identity development in religious education institutions. They also reported that families and religious educators put pressure on religion by exploiting it and that this situation had a negative impact. For this reason, when religion is used as an element of oppression, individuals' sexual identity development may be negatively affected and may cause prejudice against religion. It has been concluded that the content of the training given in the family and educational institutions should be regulated in order to gain a healthy sexual identity.