Toxic Positivity in Religious Contexts

Using overly positive religious messages to deny or dismiss real emotions and pain

• You were told to “just have more faith” when you felt depressed.

• You felt pressure to always be joyful, even when you were hurting.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Feelings of guilt may arise around experiencing normal emotions such as sadness or anger.

• Emotional honesty may feel unsafe in religious or group settings.

• Personal needs may be ignored in an attempt to appear “spiritually strong.”