A systematic review of relationship sacrifices from 2002 to 2021: Moving toward inclusivity

Abstract

We conducted a systematic review of research on relational sacrifices in romantic relationships from 2002 to 2021 [N = 115 studies] to answer three questions: Q1: Whose voices and vantage points are represented in the research?; Q2: What types of questions are valued?; Q3: What are the reflections and connections about relational sacrifices that were learned during the review? To address Q1, we coded sample demographics of study participants on geographical location, race/ethnicity, education/income/SES, gender (i.e., gender differences explored and beyond gender binaries), sexual orientation, age, and disability, using a coding system of 1 (exclusion/absence) to 5 (focus on context‐relevant experiences for underrepresented samples). Results for Q1 showed that the most frequent codes were 1 (exclusion/absence) for information about the samples' disability status, education/income/SES, and both codes for gender (i.e., gender differences explored and beyond gender binaries); when demographic information was reported, the most frequent codes were 2 (compensatory addition) for age, sexual orientation, geographical location, and race/ethnicity. To address Q2, we coded for aspects of the study designs and conceptual dimensions of sacrifice. Results for Q2 showed that a majority of the studies in our review used quantitative and close‐ended measures emphasizing behavioral frequency of sacrifice. For Q3, we include our own reflections and connections about relational sacrifices, questioning research methods, and challenging assumptions drawn from existing research to move toward a more inclusive science.

Awareness and equity of behavioral sacrifice and same‐sex relationship quality: Heterosexist discrimination as a distal predictor

“…As noted, sexual minority stressors are uniquely borne out of prevailing disparities against sexual minority populations (Meyer, 2003), and same‐sex couples often forge and maintain their relationships around these sexual minority stressors (Cao et al, 2017; Frost et al, 2022; LeBlanc et al, 2015). However, sexual minority stressors (including heterosexist discrimination) have never been considered in studies of sacrifices (for a review on 115 sacrifice studies during the past 20 years, see Curran et al, in press). Across these three points, we took the initial step to understand how heterosexist discrimination may relate to receivers' awareness and providers' perceived (in)equity, and in turn same‐sex relationship quality.…”

Heterosexist discrimination and relational sacrifice of same‐sex couples

“…When understanding how romantic partners navigate between the beneficial and burdensome aspects of relational sacrifice, prior researchers have conducted studies primarily among different‐sex couples (Kayabol et al, 2020; Van Lange et al, 1997). Studies on sacrifice willingness and behaviors in same‐sex partnerships—conversely—are still sparse (for a review, see Curran et al, 2023). The lack of studies on same‐sex partnerships is a limitation because the long‐lasting heteronormativity—an assumption that only sexual attraction between two members of the opposite sex is acceptable—relegates same‐sex couples to situations and experiences in which they may encounter heterosexist discrimination (i.e., stressful events of prejudice, stigma, and attack that stem from social processes, institutions, and structures of heteronormativity; Frost et al, 2022; Meyer, 2003; Oswald et al, 2009).…”