Using Relationship Education Programs with Same-Sex Couples: A Preliminary Evaluation of Program Utility and Needed Modifications

Abstract

Same-sex couples represent a group likely to benefit from relationship education, given the many unique challenges they face. However, it is unclear whether existing programs, predominantly designed for married heterosexual couples, are appropriate for use with same-sex couples. In this article we highlight the need for quality relationship education programs for same-sex couples and review the literature to identify unique needs of same-sex couples that may not be met by existing programs. We then describe a small survey of couple therapists and researchers conducted to provide preliminary information about whether same-sex couples are perceived to benefit from existing relationship education programs and whether modifications to program content are needed. Twenty respondents indicated that a core set of relationship education components were useful when working with same-sex couples, although the presentation of these components generally required modifications to remove heterosexist bias and to improve applicability to same-sex couples. In addition, several novel program foci were suggested (e.g., stigma management). Implications for the design and delivery of relationship education to same-sex couples are discussed.

“Is This Normal? Is This Not Normal? There Is No Set Example”: Sexual Health Intervention Preferences of LGBT Youth in Romantic Relationships

“…For young male and female couples, relationship agreements may serve to prevent STI/HIV infection, as well as potential relationship stress and violence. The development of such agreements is consistent with relationship education programs which aim to create a sense of shared goals and expectations among couples (Markman & Rhoades, 2012; Whitton & Buzzella, 2012). …”

“…Inequities exist in the availability of evidence-based school- and community-based services and programs for LGBT youth and the limited existing health resources may not adequately serve the unique cultural and developmental needs of these youth. Among potential resources, relationship education programs are promising (Whitton & Buzzella, 2012), but they do not fully address the range of relationship and sexual health challenges faced by young same-sex couples (e.g., elevated IPV and STI risks). The adoption of a sexual health framework that bridges relationship education, sex education, and dating violence prevention may be an effective approach to improve health among LGBT youth in romantic relationships.…”

“…The relationship education literature suggests that developing community and social support networks for the relationship may be particularly important for same-sex couples (Whitton & Buzzella, 2012). The couples in this study cited friends as their most common sources support or advice, and some highlighted the presence of supportive family members.…”

“…In one study of heterosexual adolescents participating in a relationship education program, effects included increases in relationship knowledge (e.g., identifying unhealthy relationships) and decreases in levels of verbal aggression compared to controls (Adler-Baeder, Kerpelman, Schramm, Higginbotham, & Paulk, 2007). In addition, there is preliminary support for benefits of group-based relationship education program for male same-sex couples (Buzzella, Whitton, & Tompson, 2012; Whitton & Buzzella, 2012). …”

“…To the best of our knowledge, there are no published program effectiveness studies that focus on dating violence among LGBT adolescents. This is troubling given that these youth are a population at high risk for violence in their intimate relationships (Dank, Lachman, Zweig, & Yahner, 2014) and may face additional obstacles in navigating the formation of romantic relationships due to their minority status (Bauermeister, Ventuneac, Pingel, & Parsons, 2012; Mustanski, Birkett, Greene, Hatzenbuehler, & Newcomb, 2014; Whitton & Buzzella, 2012). …”