Do I Have Religious Trauma? Take this quiz to find out.
All answers are confidential.
Do you doubt yourself and feel a constant need to get confirmation of your choices from a higher power? Are you constantly looking for signs you are making the right choice?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Do you have regrets about missing out on life because of rigid religious rules, like dating who you wanted, career choices, who to marry, how many children to have, sexual exploration on your timetable, what to eat or drink, mainstream music, fashion, movies, culture, etc.?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Does your worth depend on keeping a set of strict religious rules and if you break one of those rules you are worthy of punishment (often self-inflicted)?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Do you constantly try to prove your worth to external sources such as authority figures like God(s), religious leaders, or the community?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Do you self-punish in any way because you failed to follow God's will?
If you answered yes or sometimes and are unsafe, please call 988 or reach out to someone you trust.
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Does an authority figure punish you in any way (verbal shaming, physical abuse, private interviews of worthiness, denial of religious benefits)?
If you answered yes or sometimes and are unsafe, please call 988 or reach out to someone you trust. You can report abuse here: National Abuse Hotline: (800) 799-7233 or chat https://hotline.rainn.org/online
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Has a religious leader asked you private questions about your sex life? Your finances? Has a religious leader offered you counseling without being a licensed counselor?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Do you experience discomfort with sexual intimacy? Do you feel pressure to please god or partner, rather than yourself?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Do you feel intense shame about masturbation, sexual fantasies, being attracted to others, or pornography usage?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Do you feel clean when you have no sexual thoughts and dirty or unworthy when you do?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Has a religious leader made big life choices for you, like where you live, what you do, who you marry, etc?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Has a religious leader held hostage religious benefits or a connection with a deity until you changed your behavior?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Did you grow up with physical or verbal altercations/punishments if you didn't follow the religious rules?
If you answered yes or sometimes and are unsafe, please call 988 or reach out to someone you trust. You can report abuse here: National Abuse Hotline: (800) 799-7233 or chat https://hotline.rainn.org/online
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Do you find yourself praying a certain way or praying multiple times a day in order to stay worthy? Do you find yourself compulsively trying to keep religious rules at the expense of your mental health or well-being?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Do you sacrifice your health and well-being or your family's health and well-being for fear of punishment?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Do you feel like you are "lesser" or unwanted because of your sexuality or gender?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Question for people who identify as women: Do you feel your partner uses their position as leader of the household to control finances, choices about your life or career, sexual frequency, sexual acts, or big life decisions?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
Do you feel like your voice doesn't matter if you are not part of the religious leadership that often excludes women, men without a high rank, LGBT+ members, and minorities?
Yes
No
Unsure
Sometimes
When you question your religion, are you met with disdained, avoidance, or the loss of position, worthiness, or family members?
Yes
No
Sometimes
Unsure
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you probably have some form of religious trauma.
If you need someone to listen and help you navigate this religious trauma, please reach out. I would love to hear from you.
https://www.lifeisjoycounseling.com/contact