Does partner gender influence relationship quality among non-monosexual women?

Abstract

ABSTRACTNon-monosexual women (i.e. those attracted to more than one gender) may encounter distinct sexual orientation-based challenges depending on the gender of their current relationship partner. Literature suggests that non-monosexual women in relationships with a male partner may often be assumed to be heterosexual by default, and may struggle with invisibility and lack of validation of their sexual minority identity. The aim of the present study was to examine if non-monosexual women in different-sex relationships experienced increased relationship strain relative to those with same-gender partners, and the potential mechanisms through which this effect may occur. A community sample of 169 non-monosexual women currently in a single partner relationship were recruited. Results indicated that although there was no direct link between partner gender and relationship strain, having a male partner was indirectly linked to greater relationship strain via less outness and less LGB community connectedness, and subsequently greater social isolation and depression. Unexpectedly, those with a male partner also reported greater social isolation independent of their level of outness and LGB community connectedness, suggesting the presence of additional pathways by which partner gender impacts one's sense of social isolation. These findings highlight distinct challenges faced by non-monosexual women in different-sex relationships.