Individuals In Same-sex Relationships Research Articles

Structural Stigma and Disparities in Long-Term Health Conditions Among Australians in Same-Sex Relationships: 2021 Australian Census.

Objectives. To explore the extent to which structural stigma (sociocultural and institutional constraining factors) is associated with sexual orientation disparities in long-term health conditions. Methods. We measured structural stigma using the regional percentage of votes against same-sex marriage from Australia's 2017 Marriage Equality Survey and mapped this to the 2021 Census survey of 10 093 399 and 136 988 individuals in different-sex and same-sex relationships, respectively. Controlling for individual and area-level confounders, we used logistic regression analyses to examine the association between quartiles of structural stigma and sexual orientation disparities in long-term health conditions (e.g., any, mental health, asthma, cardiovascular). Results. In the lowest stigma quartile, individuals in same-sex relationships had 56% higher odds of reporting any long-term health condition (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.53, 1.59) and this increased to 63% in the highest stigma quartile (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.58, 1.68). Effects were particularly pronounced for cardiovascular, respiratory, and mental health conditions as well as for men, younger populations, and those living in socioeconomically deprived regions. Conclusions. Living in stigmatizing environments may have deleterious health effects for sexual minorities in Australia. Policy action and enhanced protections for sexual minorities are urgently required. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(10):1110-1122. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307759).

Cognitive Aging in Same- and Different-Sex Relationships: Comparing Age of Diagnosis and Rate of Cognitive Decline in the Health and Retirement Study

Introduction: The ongoing marginalization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people has been hypothesized to produce poorer late-in-life cognitive outcomes, according to mechanisms posited by minority stress and allostatic load theories. Yet the existence of those outcomes remains understudied, and results of existing studies have been contradictory. Using a population-based longitudinal aging study, this paper will compare age at diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or a related dementia and rates of cognitive decline between participants in same-sex relationships (SSRs) and different-sex relationships (DSRs). Methods: The study used longitudinal cognitive-health data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 1998–2018; N = 26,344) to analyze the onset of cognitive impairment and AD/dementia and the rates of cognitive change between participants in SSRs and those in DSRs. We hypothesized that SSR participants would have worse overall cognitive functioning in old age and would experience earlier onset of cognitive impairment. Using multiple regression, we compared the ages at which participants in SSRs and DSRs first reported AD or dementia diagnoses and the ages at which they first scored below cutoffs for cognitive impairment, not dementia (CIND) and possible dementia as determined using the cognitive assessment. The study then compared rates of cognitive decline over time across the SSR and DSR groups, including stratified analyses by education, race/ethnicity, wealth, and sex/gender. Results: Participants in SSRs reported dementia diagnoses (β = −12.346; p = 0.001), crossed the threshold into CIND (β = −8.815; p < 0.001) and possible dementia (β = −13.388; p < 0.001) at a younger age than participants in DSRs. When adjusted for covariates, participants in SSRs also had lower cognition at baseline (β = 0.745; p = 0.003), though having slower rates of cognitive decline when SSR was interacted with time (β = 0.066; p = 0.003). In separate analyses, cognitive differences for SSR participants were only found in participants without undergraduate degrees, with below-median household incomes, and women. Conclusion: Our findings support theories suggesting that marginalization and stigma cause premature cognitive impairment. Findings also suggest that higher education might mitigate the adverse effects of sexuality-minority status on cognitive aging. Results do not support these theories’ claims of more rapid cognitive decline; the lower slopes of cognitive decline with time are compatible with the possibility of slower rates of decline for aging individuals in SSRs.

On guard: Public versus private affection-sharing experiences in same-sex, gender-diverse, and mixed-sex relationships.

This study compared public versus private affection-sharing experiences of individuals in mixed-sex (N = 1018), same-sex (N = 561), and gender-diverse (N = 96) relationships. Private affection-sharing was similar across groups, except those in mixed-sex relationships reported somewhat less comfort doing so. Despite having a stronger desire to engage in public affection-sharing, those in same-sex and gender-diverse relationships shared public affection less frequently, were less comfortable doing so, refrained from doing so more often, and experienced much higher levels of vigilance related to public affection-sharing, compared to those in mixed-sex relationships. Heightened PDA-related vigilance may have health consequences, as higher levels were associated with worse psychological and physical well-being in all groups. However, individuals in same-sex relationships showed weaker associations between vigilance and well-being than those in mixed-sex relationships, suggesting possible resilience. Still, engaging in vigilance may take its toll, potentially serving as a mechanism through which minority stress works its effects. When we controlled for PDA-related vigilance, psychological and physical well-being levels in same-sex relationships increased relative to mixed-sex peers.

A Research Note Describing a More Inclusive Approach to Identifying Same-Sex Cohabiters in the American Time Use Survey

Identification of individuals in same-sex relationships in the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) is of increasing interest to the research community. While the ATUS interviews one person per household, by using information about who else lives in the household, researchers can easily identify respondents in coresident same-sex couple arrangements. Previous research has outlined two approaches to identifying individuals in same-sex relationships in the ATUS that use information on the sex of household members. We extend that work in this research note by using additional information collected from a direct question to identify unmarried cohabiting partners in the Current Population Survey (CPS). We identify 23% more individuals in cohabiting same-sex relationships when we use the CPS direct question information than when we use information from the ATUS alone. We argue that this identification strategy is more inclusive of individuals in same-sex cohabiting relationships.

Individuals in same-sex relationships maintain relational well-being despite the frequency and severity of heterosexism

ABSTRACT Heterosexism represents a pervasive minority stressor for sexual minority individuals; however, the research presents mixed findings on the association between heterosexism and relational dynamics. Drawing from theories of minority stress and family stress, we examined how the frequency and severity of heterosexism connect to three dimensions of relationship well-being: relationship satisfaction, relationship commitment, and relationship maintenance. We collected survey data from 262 sexual minority individuals in same-sex relationships. Results show inconsistent associations between the frequency and severity of heterosexism and relationship well-being. The interaction between the frequency and severity of heterosexism was significantly associated with relationship commitment, but not relationship satisfaction or perceived maintenance. The findings of this study suggest that those who experience strong relational well-being may be resilient to distal minority stressors like heterosexism and that the distinction between the frequency and severity of heterosexism may be more empirically meaningful for cognitive dimensions for relational well-being. Practitioners should continue to attend to the nuanced ways in which minority stress may manifest beyond the romantic relationship.

Shamed or shameless: the life of a lesbian minister and her struggle in the Methodist Church in Southern Africa (MCSA)

abstract This paper reflects on the life experiences of Reverend Ecclesia de Lange, a lesbian minister in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA), culminating in the Constitutional Court’s ruling that the MCSA had the sole discretion to dismiss de Lange for entering into a same-sex marriage. The Methodist Church is one of the most prominent denominations in the world and claims to be liberal and supportive of individuals in same-sex relationships. Nonetheless, de Lange suffered shame, discrimination, and the loss of her job as an ordained minister because of her sexual orientation. The Church charged de Lange with failing to abide by the laws and discipline of the Church, which recognise only heterosexual relationships and forces ministers to take an oath during their ordination to abide by and implement the rules, policies, decisions, practices, and usages of the Church. Interestingly, the MCSA produced a conference resolution to advance a “community of love rather than rejection,” yet to this day, does not accept homosexuality within the Church. Accordingly, I analyse how the MCSA synod responded to de Lange’s decision to marry her long-time same-sex partner. I use intersectional and queer theories to drive the discussion. I reflect on how de Lange was shamed by the MCSA for her decision and how the MCSA was unsupportive and did not act consistent with their claim to being a non-homophobic denomination. This is evident in the disingenuous claim by the Methodist Church that it accepts individuals unconditionally, while women continue to experience stigmatisation and are discriminated against by the patriarchal rules of the MCSA.

Structural stigma and sexual orientation disparities in healthcare use: Evidence from Australian Census-linked-administrative data.

This study explores the extent to which structural stigma (which encompasses sociocultural and institutional constraining factors) is associated with sexual orientation disparities in healthcare service and prescription medicine use. Using the responses to the 2017 Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey, we use the regional percentage of votes against legalising same-sex marriage as a measure of structural stigma. We then map these results to Census-linked-administrative data, including 83,519 individuals in same-sex relationships - one of the largest administrative datasets to date where individuals in same-sex relationships are identified. Controlling for regional and individual-level confounders, we find that structural stigma is associated with increased use of nervous system medications (which largely comprise antidepressants) but reduced GP visits for both females and males in same-sex relationships. More regional stigma is also associated with reduced use of pathology services and anti-infective prescriptions for males in same-sex relationships. Altogether, our results suggest that individuals in same-sex relationships living in stigmatised regions are in poorer health but are less likely to access primary healthcare.

EXPLORING HOW AGE PREDICTS OUTNESS AND INTERNALIZED HOMOPHOBIA IN A LIFESPAN SAMPLE OF SEXUAL MINORITIES

Minority Stress Theory posits that specific minority stressors, such as internalized homophobia and outness, predict negative health outcomes in sexual minorities. There has been substantial work in addressing these stressors in young adult samples; however, less in known about older adults. Older sexual minorities were socialized in a time in which same-sex relations were considered deviant and illegal, and therefore, have been exposed to a lifetime of marginalization. Although there is evidence that minority stressors negatively impact health in older adults, many studies exclude a complete lifespan sample. The goal of this study was to collect a sample of individuals in same-sex relationships ranging in age from 18-80 (N = 228, M = 40.93, SD = 15.87) and examine whether age correlates with outness and internalized homophobia. We found that older participants had higher degrees of outness (r = .21, p < .01) and less internalized homophobia (r = -.20, p < .01) resulting in less overall minority stress. We also analyzed different social resources that might explain the age-related decrease in minority stress and found that age was related to higher self-esteem (r = .24, p < .01). We tested whether self-esteem moderated the direct relationships between age and the minority stressors and found a significant interaction for internalized homophobia (B = .0175, p < .01), but not outness. Our findings provide support that older sexual minorities report less minority stress and more research is needed to explain what promotes these trends.

Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage Matters for the Subjective Well-being of Individuals in Same-Sex Unions.

We investigate whether the subjective well-being of individuals in same-sex unions improved following the legalization of same-sex marriage in England and Wales in March 2014. We employ repeated cross-sectional data from the 2011-2016 Annual Population Surveys on 476,411 persons, including 4,112 individuals in coresidential same-sex relationships. The analysis reveals increases in subjective well-being for individuals in same-sex relationships following legalization. Additional analysis documents higher subjective well-being for individuals in married same-sex couples compared with individuals who are in a civil partnership or an informal cohabiting same-sex union. However, the subjective well-being of individuals from same-sex couples increased after legalization among all subgroups considered, including those who cohabited informally. This result hints at a general reduction in structural stigma as an important mechanism behind the improved well-being of individuals in same-sex unions.

“I Would Like Us to Share a Name so That We Can Be Recognized in Society.” Marital Surname Preferences in Same-Sex Relationships

ABSTRACT Despite the recent expansion of marriage rights within the U.S., relatively little is known about marriage-related practices among people in same-sex relationships. The current study extends prior research by investigating marital surname preferences in a large, sociodemographically diverse sample of U.S. adults in same-sex relationships. Participants (N = 179) described their surname preferences in an open-ended format. Thematic analysis revealed that many participants were open to making some type of marital surname change. When explaining their surname preferences, participants often cited their desire to unite the whole family under the same surname. Importantly, however, quantitative analyses illustrated that surname preferences significantly varied according to sociodemographic background characteristics such as age. Collectively, findings suggest a possible generational shift in surname preferences among individuals in same-sex relationships.

Personal well-being across the transition to marriage equality: A longitudinal analysis.

We examined the ways that federal, state, and local marriage recognition influence multiple domains of personal well-being of individuals in same-sex (n = 279) and different-sex (n = 266) relationships. Longitudinal data were collected across the transition to marriage equality (i.e., the U.S. Supreme Court Obergefell v. Hodges [2015] case decision, which resulted in same-sex marriage recognition federally). Prior to the ruling, levels of stigma and psychological distress were higher and family support was lower for individuals who were in same-sex (vs. different-sex) relationships. Levels of life satisfaction and family support were higher for those who were married (vs. not married). Levels of stigma and stress were lower and family support and life satisfaction were higher for those who lived in states that recognized same-sex marriage. A more supportive community climate was also associated with lower levels of stigma and stress and higher levels of family support than less supportive communities. Following the ruling, levels of stigma decreased over time, particularly for individuals in same-sex relationships, after accounting for state and local recognition. Levels of family support also increased, whereas support from friends decreased following the ruling. The findings of this study indicate that federal, state, and local marriage recognition play unique roles in changing the climate of discrimination for individuals in same-sex relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Understanding how emerging same-sex couples make meaning of minority stress: A narrative approach.

Minority stress-in the form of experiences of prejudice and discrimination-can have negative consequences on individuals in same-sex relationships. However, little is known about the ways in which members of same-sex couples make meaning of minority stress, especially in the context of newly formed relationships that may be most vulnerable to minority stressors. The present study draws upon emerging understandings of couple-level minority stress to investigate the ways in which newly formed same-sex couples make meaning of their minority stress experiences jointly as a couple. A narrative analysis was conducted using data from dyadic interviews with 40 same-sex couples who had been together for at least 6 months but less than 3 years. Analyses highlighted six distinct narrative strategies used by couples when making-meaning of their minority stress experiences: "minority stress made couples stronger," "minority stress contaminates positive experiences," "minority stress is not a big deal," "couples resign in the face of minority stress," "minority stress is worse than expected," and "couples hope minority stress experiences will get better." These findings not only provide valuable evidence for couple-level minority stress constructs, but crucially give a nuanced insight into how same-sex couples that are in the early stages of relationship development, make meaning of their minority stress experiences. Findings have important implications for the design and implementation of effective clinical and counseling interventions aimed at reducing negative outcomes among individuals in same-sex relationships, and the potential for relationship dissolution resulting from minority stress experiences. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

As the states turned: Implications of the changing legal context of same-sex marriage on well-being

Using a minority stress framework, we examined changes in personal well-being among individuals in same-sex relationships during the transition to federal marriage recognition. Longitudinal panel data from 279 individuals were collected once before and at three time points after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Obergefell vs. Hodges case that resulted in federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Prior to the ruling, levels of internalized homonegativity, isolation, and vicarious trauma were positively associated with psychological distress. Levels of felt stigma and vicarious trauma were negatively associated with life satisfaction. Following the ruling, trajectories of psychological distress decreased over time for individuals who experienced higher (vs. lower) initial levels of internalized homonegativity, isolation, and vicarious trauma. Trajectories of life satisfaction increased over time for individuals who experienced higher (vs. lower) initial levels of vicarious trauma. These changes occurred over and above the effects of state and local recognition and marital status.

Same-Sex and Mixed-Sex Couples in the Netherlands: The Association Between Life Satisfaction and Relationship Dynamics

Using a national sample of Dutch (N = 5,854) individuals in same-sex and mixed-sex relationships we explored the associations between relationship dynamics, both positive (partner support) and negative (conflict), and life satisfaction. We found that individuals in same-sex relationships reported lower life satisfaction compared with their peers in mixed-sex relationships but there were no differences in the amount of partner support or level of relationship conflict. Across all couples, greater partner support and lower relationship conflict was associated with greater individual life satisfaction. Interestingly, for individuals in mixed-sex relationships, low level of conflict was associated with greater life satisfaction, whereas the association was not as pronounced for individuals in same-sex relationships. In sum, the impact of some relationship factors (such as conflict) on individual life satisfaction may vary in different ways across couple type.

Selecting the Best Items for a Short-Form of the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire

Abstract. Five studies were conducted to develop a short form of the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) questionnaire with optimal psychometric properties. Study 1 involved Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses of the responses of 2,066 adults, resulting in a 12-item form of the ECR containing the most discriminating items. The psychometric properties of the ECR-12 were further demonstrated in two longitudinal studies of community samples of couples (Studies 2 and 3), in a sample of individuals in same-sex relationships (Study 4), and with couples seeking therapy (Study 5). The psychometric properties of the ECR-12 are as good as those of the original ECR and superior to those of an existing short form. The ECR-12 can confidently be used by researchers and mental health practitioners when a short measure of attachment anxiety and avoidance is required.

Perceptions of Partner Violence: How Aggressor Gender, Masculinity/Femininity, and Victim Gender Influence Criminal Justice Decisions

ABSTRACTThis study examines the extent to which perceptions of partner violence are influenced by aggressor gender and masculinity/femininity, and victim gender. Participants evaluated a case scenario depicting domestic assault. Results found charges were significantly higher and sentences significantly longer when the victim was female. Masculine aggressors were more likely to be perceived as having threatened bodily injury and as having initiated the assault compared to feminine aggressors. Masculine aggressors in heterosexual relationships were more likely to be identified as having initiated an assault compared to feminine aggressors in heterosexual relationships or individuals in same-sex relationships.

Family matters, but sometimes chosen family matters more: Perceived social network influence in the dating decisions of same- and mixed-sex couples

Although social support for relationships is a commonly studied topic, the literature is divided upon whether social support from parents versus friends plays a more important role in predicting relational and health outcomes. Using a sample (N=698) of heterosexual and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) participants, the current study examined differences in past experiences of relationship disapproval from friends and family, as well as self-reported levels of importance assigned to various sources of social approval for relationships. In addition, participants read hypothetical scenarios in which they were told that their parents, heterosexual friends or LGBTQ friends disapproved of their current dating partner and suggested that they end the relationship. Participants responded by indicating whether or not they would end the hypothetical relationship based on the disapproval. Results indicate that individuals in same-sex relationships often perceive less social support for their relationships from parents than friends, that they place more value on relationship approval from friends, or chosen family, and that they are less likely to end a relationship based on parental disapproval, compared to those in mixed-sex relationships. A ‘currency’ model of parental disapproval for relationships is introduced, whereby parents are seen to have a finite amount of ‘relationship disapproval currency’ available to spend on an adult child's relationships. Inaccurately disapproving of their children's relationships is shown to reduce the likelihood of children considering their parents' opinions, while accurately disapproving of relationships significantly increases the likelihood of their adult children considering their opinions in the future.

Using Mixed Personal Growth Groups to Reduce Biases With Same-Sex Couples

Counselors serve numerous multicultural clients, such as individuals in same-sex relationships. However, some counselors-in-training (students) are reluctant to provide therapy to same-sex couples (SSCs). This article provides counselor education programs with creative guidelines/strategies for students to work with SSCs. Specifically, this article recommends a mixed personal growth group for counselors-in-training to develop better social-relational capabilities and multicultural sensitivity/awareness.

Redemptive Framings of Minority Stress and Their Association With Closeness in Same-Sex Relationships

Despite recent improvements in social and legal climates, same-sex couples continue to experience stress stemming from prejudice and discrimination, which can negatively impact the quality of their relationships. This mixed methods study examined the stories that 99 individuals in same-sex relationships told about their experiences of minority stress. Some participants told stories that involved initial negative experiences of minority stress that led to positive outcomes (i.e., redemption stories): most commonly improved closeness with their partners. Statistical analyses demonstrated a positive association between redemptive framings of minority stress and closeness in participants’ relationships. Implications for practice with same-sex couples are discussed.

Stigma and intimacy in same-sex relationships: A narrative approach.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals in romantic relationships experience stigma, prejudice, and discrimination stemming from widespread social devaluation of same-sex relationships. Research on same-sex couples has demonstrated a negative association between experiences of stigma and relationship quality. However, critical questions remain unanswered regarding how experiences of stigma become more or less meaningful within the context of same-sex relationships. This paper presents a study of the stories that a purposive sample of 99 individuals in same-sex relationships wrote about their relational high points, low points, decisions, and goals, as well as their experiences of stigma directly related to their relationships. Narrative analysis of these stories revealed that participants utilized several psychological strategies for making meaning of their experiences of stigma within the context of their relationships. Some participants framed stigma as having a negative impact on their relationships, while others framed stigma as relevant, but external to their lives. Some participants saw stigma as providing an opportunity to (re)define notions of commitment and relational legitimacy. Additionally, many participants framed stigma as bringing them closer to their partners and strengthening the bond within their relationships. The results of this study illuminate the psychological strategies individuals in same-sex couples use to make meaning of, cope with, and overcome societal devaluation thereby furthering understandings of the association between stigma and intimacy within marginalized relationships.