The effects of sexual and gender minority stress on relationship functioning: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Theory and research indicate that experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) stress among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, plus (LGBTQ+) individuals are related to a variety of negative health outcomes. Because positive romantic relationships promote better physical and mental health outcomes, understanding factors that contribute positively or negatively to relationship functioning is necessary to improve relationships and promote physical and mental health. As such, the primary goals of the present study were to conduct a meta‐analysis on the association between SGM stress and (1) relationship functioning and (2) substance use, a well‐established predictor of relationship functioning. We used multivariate meta‐analysis with robust variance estimation to summarize the effects. Across 304 effects from 73 studies, we found a significant negative association between SGM stress and relationship functioning, r = −.13, 95% CI [−0.16, −0.10]. We also found significant positive associations between SGM stress and alcohol use r = .08, 95% CI [0.06, 0.11], and drug use r = .09, 95% CI [0.05, 0.13]. These small, but significant, relations are interpreted to indicate that SGM stress could erode relationship functioning and, in turn, weaken its potential protective effects against negative health outcomes, although longitudinal studies are needed.

Intimate partner violence is related to future alcohol use among a nationwide sample of LGBTQIA+ people: Results from The PRIDE Study

“…Thus, reporting less frequent IPV may be indicative of more chronic violence and longer-term changes to the couple's relationship (e.g., breakdown in communication patterns, additional life stressors) that together lead to increased alcohol use. This may suggest that interventions targeting IPV and alcohol should make a concerted effort to include those experiencing IPV less frequently, but are enduring IPV less often as part of a broader constellation of relationship dysfunction (Bresin et al, 2023). Additional research is needed to better understand the mechanisms that lead from IPV to increased alcohol use as well as how violence and alcohol use fit into couples' broader relationship contexts.…”