Systematic review of queer and minority identities in romantic relationships research

Abstract

ABSTRACT Romantic relationships are key to our health, yet recent reviews of relationships research show that sexual and/or gender diverse people and other traditionally under-represented groups are frequently excluded. Articles published from 2016 to 2020 in four relationships journals were reviewed to address the overall representation of sexual and gender minority (SGM) respondents (k = 891), and discuss the specific social identities included in U.S. samples (k = 505). First, only 37% of samples reported gender and sexual orientation, 21% of samples included SGM respondents in analyses, and 6% of samples excluded SGM respondents from the data. Second, samples were, on average, 77.4% White, 13.3% Hispanic, 58.8% (cisgender) women, 41.0% (cisgender) men, and 89.6% heterosexual. Consideration of intersecting identities was rare. We make recommendations to improve reporting and the representation of diverse identities. For social science to reflect the diversity of experiences present in society at large requires more intentional, reflective, and consistent consideration of diverse identities.