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

Abstract

Most lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people want a stable, satisfying romantic relationship. Although many of the predictors of relationship outcomes are similar to those of heterosexual couples, same-sex couples face some additional challenges associated with minority stress that also impact upon relationship quality. Here, we investigate the association between minority stressors and relationship quality in a sample of 363 adults (M age = 30.37, SD = 10.78) currently in a same-sex romantic relationship. Internalized homophobia and difficulties accepting one's LGB identity were each negatively associated with relationship satisfaction via heightened concealment motivation. We also examined the protective role of identity affirmation on relationship quality, finding a direct positive relationship between the two variables. Minority stressors were negatively associated with couple relationship satisfaction via heightened concealment motivation. The finding that identity affirmation directly predicted increased couple satisfaction also highlights the important role of protective factors in same-sex couple relationships.

Keywords: Internalized Homophobia; Minority Stress; Relationship Satisfaction; Same-Sex Couples; factores desencadenantes de estrés en las minorías; homofobia internalizada; parejas del mismo sexo; satisfacción en la relación; 关系满意度; 内化恐同症; 同性伴侣; 少数压力.