The Relationship Between Internalized Homophobia and Intimate Partner Violence in Same-Sex Relationships: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the association between internalized homophobia and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration and victimization in same-sex relationships. The literature search and the application of the inclusion criteria made it possible to identify 10 studies, 2 of which were excluded due to missing data. Therefore, eight studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. The results showed positive and statistically significant associations between internalized homophobia and IPV perpetration and victimization, indicating that higher levels of internalized homophobia were related to higher levels of IPV. Specifically, the pooled effect size for the relationship between internalized homophobia and IPV perpetration (all forms), it was r+ = .147, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [.079, .214]; for the association between internalized homophobia and physical/sexual IPV perpetration, it was r+ = .166, 95% CI [.109, .221]; p < .0001; for the relationship between internalized homophobia and psychological IPV perpetration, it was r+ = .145, 95% CI [.073, .216]; and for the association between internalized homophobia and any type of IPV victimization, it was r+ = .102, 95% CI [.030, .173]. Implications of these results for clinical practice and future research are discussed.