Internalized Homophobia, Language Use, and Relationship Quality in Same-sex Romantic Relationships

Abstract

Internalized homophobia has adverse relational consequences for same-sex couples. This study highlights language use as a mechanism underlying the association between internalized homophobia and relationship quality. Internalized homophobia is predicted to be negatively associated with language use features, including clout, authenticity, and emotional tone, which are positively related to relationship satisfaction and length. Participants’ (N = 166) written responses to the content of a couple’s discussion about relationship disclosure were analyzed to assess language use variables. Mediation analyses indicated that clout and emotional tone mediated the negative relationship between internalized homophobia and relationship satisfaction. Authenticity mediated the inverse relationship between internalized homophobia and relationship length. The results have implications for understanding and alleviating minority stress in same-sex couples.