Internalized Homonegativity, Emotion Dysregulation, and Isolating Behaviors Perpetration among Gay and Lesbian Couples

Abstract

Same-sex intimate partner violence (SSIPV) is a serious health concern and may manifest in various forms. Nevertheless, controlling behaviors of isolation are still poorly investigated. Due to their marginalized status, sexual minorities can face SSIPV-specific risk factors, such as internalized homonegativity, as well as general psychological stress factors, such as emotion dysregulation. While the literature is growing, there is still a lack of understanding of the complex pathways linking sexual minorities and minority stress to IPV and isolating controlling behavior. To fill this gap, we explored the relation between internalized homonegativity and controlling behaviors of isolation, assessing the mediating role of emotion dysregulation. In total, 120 gay and lesbian people (mean age = 33.8, SD = 11.5) involved in a same-sex relationship participated in the study. Results showed a direct and positive association between internalized homonegativity and difficulties in emotion regulation and a direct and positive association between emotion dysregulation and controlling behaviors of isolation; the mediating role of emotion dysregulation in the relation between internalized homonegativity and isolating controlling behaviors was supported as well. Emerging results can provide valuable information at the clinical level, although further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.

Internalized Homonegativity, Emotion Dysregulation, and Physical Same-Sex Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration: A Psychological Mediation Framework-Based Model

“…Our results support the application of the PMF to the perpetration of physically violent behaviors within same-sex couples, according to previous studies focused on psychological aggression (Lewis et al, 2014) and isolating behaviors perpetration (Trombetta et al, 2023). In addition to having theoretical implications for understanding how stressors originating from belonging to a sexual minority intertwine with psychological processes, thus contributing to SSIPV perpetration, the data provide insights at the clinical level.…”

“…Several recent studies support an association between the lack of emotion regulation abilities and physical IPV perpetration in heterosexual couples (Berke et al, 2019; Conzemius et al, 2021; Evans et al, 2022; Gratz et al, 2009; Grigorian et al, 2019; Guzmán-González et al, 2016; Halmos et al, 2021; Lee et al, 2020; Neilson et al, 2021). Preliminary results also confirmed this association in lesbian and gay people and supported the application of the PMF in relation to psychological aggression (Lewis et al, 2014) and isolating behaviors perpetration (Trombetta et al, 2023), as well as SSIPV victimization (Berke et al, 2022). However, other studies are needed to confirm these findings and to further explore the theoretical and clinical utility of PMF in relation to other forms of violence, such as physical SSIPV perpetration.…”

“…To shed light on the mechanisms involved in the relationship between minority stress and violence within same-sex relationships, this paper aimed to assess the association between internalized homonegativity and physical SSIPV perpetration, exploring the mediating role of emotion dysregulation. While preliminary results supported this indirect association when considering other forms of SSIPV such as psychological aggression (Lewis et al, 2014) and isolating behaviors (Trombetta et al, 2023), as far as we know, this was the first study to assess the application of the PMF to physical SSIPV perpetration.…”

“…Experiences of discrimination, internalized homonegativity, emotion dysregulation, positive and negative affect, satisfaction in couple relationships, experiences of physical, psychological, and sexual violence, and isolating behaviors were assessed. Previous findings drawn from part of the present dataset and including isolating behaviors as dependent variable are reported in Trombetta et al (2023). To participate in the current study, participants had to self-identify as lesbian or gay, be involved in a same-sex couple relationship, and answer items on internalized homonegativity, emotion dysregulation, and physical SSIPV.…”