Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity as a Moderator of Relationship Functioning After Sexual Assault

Abstract

Sexual assault is unfortunately common, especially among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Yet, the associations of such victimization have not yet been extensively established in the areas of sexual identity and romantic relationship functioning. Accordingly, the present study examined the associations between lifetime sexual assault, LGB identity, and romantic relationship functioning in a sample of 336 LGB individuals. A history of sexual assault was associated with attachment anxiety and several sexual identity components (i.e., higher levels of acceptance concerns, identity uncertainty, internalized homonegativity, and identity superiority). Furthermore, an association of sexual assault and attachment avoidance was moderated by internalized homonegativity. Finally, a more secure LGB identity was associated with healthier romantic relationship functioning. Collectively, these findings are applicable to services for LGB sexual assault victims, suggesting the incorporation of treatment that bolsters LGB identity and couple functioning. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Sexual violence victimization and suicide: Testing a coping‐mental health framework

“…Specifically, respondents self‐reported lifetime physical violence victimization history by checking yes to “physical assault” and yes to “sexual assault” from a set of response options answering the following statement: “Have you ever been a victim of any of the following crimes after age 16? (check all that apply).” The use of a sole, binary response option question to query sexual violence or physical victimization status is consistent with previous studies (e.g., Gemberling et al, 2015).…”

Minority Stress and Same‐Sex Relationship Satisfaction: The Role of Concealment Motivation

“…For instance, the absence of negative beliefs about one's sexual orientation (low internalized homophobia) does not mean an individual necessarily holds positive beliefs about their sexuality. In addition, identity affirmation is associated with greater social resources, including social support and community engagement (Fredriksen-Goldsen, Kim, Bryan, Shiu, & Emlet, 2017), and with less attachment insecurity (Gemberling et al, 2015). In addition, identity affirmation is associated with greater social resources, including social support and community engagement (Fredriksen-Goldsen, Kim, Bryan, Shiu, & Emlet, 2017), and with less attachment insecurity (Gemberling et al, 2015).…”

“…Those who are higher in identity affirmation report more self-esteem and life satisfaction, and experience less depression (Mohr & Kendra, 2011). In addition, identity affirmation is associated with greater social resources, including social support and community engagement (Fredriksen-Goldsen, Kim, Bryan, Shiu, & Emlet, 2017), and with less attachment insecurity (Gemberling et al, 2015). Identity affirmation may therefore be beneficial to romantic relationships.…”

Healing through community connection? Modeling links between attachment avoidance, connectedness to the LGBTQ+ community, and internalized heterosexism.

“…Cook and Calebs (2016) note that the mechanisms linking attachment and sexual minority stress are still mostly theoretical and urged others to explore mechanisms that might help explain this link. Indeed, none of the 11 studies demonstrating links between attachment and negative identity explored intermediary mechanisms (Brown & Trevethan, 2010; Elizur & Mintzer, 2001, 2003; Gemberling et al, 2015; Jellison & McConnell, 2004; Keleher, Wei, & Liao, 2010; Mohr & Fassinger, 2003; Sherry, 2007; Trub, Quinlan, Starks, & Rosenthal, 2017; Wang, Schale, & Broz, 2010; Wells & Hansen, 2003). Our study builds on and advances this literature by asking “Why are they linked?”…”