The Impact of Minority Stress and Social Support on Positive Relationship Functioning in Same-Sex Relationships

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Institute of Medicine has called for an increase in efforts to investigate the understudied area of LGBTQ health and relationships. This study furthers the research by illuminating social support predictors of positive relationship functioning and resilience from a large national sample of those in same-sex relationships (N = 1,303) who continue to face minority stigma and stress in society. Primary findings underscore the centrality of partner social support and the importance of combating depression in sustaining positive relationship outcomes (commitment, satisfaction, closeness, and couple resilience) in same-sex romantic relationships. Findings also may point to increasing social legitimacy of same-sex couples and less reliance on LGBTQ-specific social supportive environments. Future research is needed to further explore the personal and relational health of same-sex couples.