Perceived Discrimination and Relationship Satisfaction Among Same-Sex Couples: The Role of Dyadic Stress and Sex

Abstract

Based on the fact that most research drawn from the minority stress theory on the association between minority stress and relationship satisfaction has focused on an individual perspective rather than a dyadic perspective, and the limited evidence of the systemic transactional model (STM) explore the topics of same-sex couples. This study aims to combine both theories to examine the association between perceived discrimination and relationship satisfaction among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people on both partners and test the potential mediating role of dyadic stress and sex difference in this association. Using an actor-partner interdependence mediation model (APIMeM), we analyzed data including a sample of 241 LGB couples (133 female and 108 male same-sex dyads). Results showed that perceived discrimination had no direct actor-partner effects on relationship satisfaction. APIMeM revealed significant indirect partner effects from perceived discrimination on both individuals' and their partners' relationship satisfaction through the partner's dyadic stress. Additionally, the effect of personal dyadic stress on a partner's relationship satisfaction was stronger for women compared to men. These findings demonstrated the utility of the minority stress theory and STM framework for understanding the risk of stressors in damaging LGBs' romantic relationships. Couple interventions should integrate knowledge from a dyadic perspective with attention to sex differences.Minority stress theory suggests that sexual minority individuals are at greater risk for health problems than heterosexuals, because LGBs face greater exposure to social stress related to prejudice and stigma (Meyer, 2003). These stressors include distal stressors (i.e., experiences of discrimination and prejudice) and proximal stressors (i.e., internalized homonegativity, expectations of rejection, and identity concealment) (Meyer, 2003). The overall impact of both distal and proximal stressors on mental health and how to buffer adverse effects has been widely documented in prior studies (see reviews in Chaudoir et al. (2017) and Dürrbaum and Sattler (2020)). Moreover, this theory has been extended by some studies in explaining the ways in which minority stress could have a detrimental impact on relationship satisfaction and well-being: Minority stress deprives LGB individuals of relationship validation and support, which in turn can lessen the couple's ability to cope with stress and strain, and decreases the commitment to, investment in, and perception of rewards from their romantic relationships (see, e.g., Guschlbauer,

Comparative efficacy of the relationship checkup for same-gender couples.

“…Same-gender couples experience significant sexual minority stressors such as discrimination, internalized heterosexism, stigma consciousness, and concealment of sexual orientation, among others, and as a result evidence persistent health inequities (Mustanski et al, 2016; Rice et al, 2021). These sexual minority stressors also indirectly impact relationship functioning by intensifying dyadic stress and potentially leading to relationship strain and conflict (Song, Buysse, Zhang, & Dewaele, 2022; Song, Buysse, Zhang Lu, et al, 2022). These unique relationship challenges may be even more pronounced in regions where there are numerous societal and legal policies that negatively impact same-gender couples and the broader queer community, (e.g., south central Appalachia; Swank et al, 2012).…”

Minority stress and romantic relationship functioning among young sexual minority women.

“…Evidence of such within-person effects is important for informing interventions, as it would suggest that targeting minority stress might be an effective component of efforts to improve relationship functioning within sexual minority individuals (Pentel & Baucom, 2022; Scott et al, 2019). Second, YSMW have been underrepresented, which is particularly concerning given evidence that their relationships are more strongly affected by minority stress (Cao et al, 2017; Song et al, 2022) and at higher risk for breakup (e.g., Kolk & Andersson, 2020) than sexual minority men’s relationships. To improve the representativeness and generalizability of this literature, we need studies focused on the relationships of sexual minority women.…”

Romantic Attachment, Relationship Satisfaction, Internalized Sexual Stigma, and Motives for Parenthood in Italian Lesbian Women and Gay Men

“…These data confirm that perceived and internalized stigma remain forms of chronic stress that require further sustained attention from researchers interested in understanding the impact of minority stress [28] on the well-being of LG people as well as on their romantic relationships. Indeed, minority stress deprives LG individuals of validation and support for their couple relationships; in turn, this can not only reduce a couple's ability to cope with stressors but also decrease the commitment, investment, and satisfaction in a romantic relationship [29].…”