Relationship stigma and well-being among adults in interracial and same-sex relationships

Abstract

Stigmatization of interracial and same-sex relationships persists, with negative consequences for relationship functioning and mental health. We extended past research to examine consequences of relationship stigma from different sources (family, friends, public) for well-being (anxiety, depressive symptoms, overall self-rated health), potential buffers (egalitarianism, dyadic coping), and possible mediated pathways (to overall self-rated health through anxiety and/or depressive symptoms). Among 467 U.S. adults in interracial and/or same-sex relationships, relationship stigma from friends was associated with greater depressive symptoms. Being in a same-sex relationship moderated the associations of relationship stigma from family with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Egalitarianism moderated the association of relationship stigma from public with anxiety symptoms, and dyadic coping moderated the association of relationship stigma from family with depressive symptoms. Relationship stigma from friends was also indirectly associated with poorer overall self-rated health through the mechanism of greater depressive symptoms. Findings support that relationship stigma may have adverse consequences for individual well-being. Further, egalitarianism and dyadic coping may be buffers. More research is important to identify how to support the increasing numbers of individuals in stigmatized relationships.