Objective: Female same-gender couples experience higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) as compared to other couples, yet research on IPV in this population is limited and almost exclusively focused on individual-level correlates. Given the interdependent nature of IPV, the current study examined actor and partner associations of recent IPV use in female same-gender couples. Method: Data were collected from 103 adult female same-gender couples (N = 206) and analyzed using actor-partner interdependence models. Results: The odds of engaging in physical assault in the last year were positively associated with partner (but not actor) discrimination, alcohol use, and anxiety symptoms and negatively associated with both actor and partner relationship adjustment, emotional intimacy, and partner (but not actor) dedication and social support. The odds of engaging in high levels of psychological aggression in the last year were positively associated with actor and partner depressive and anxiety symptoms, actor (but not partner) negative communication, and partner (but not actor) discrimination and negatively associated with both actor and partner emotional intimacy, actor (but not partner) relationship adjustment, dedication, and social support. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the interdependent nature of IPV-associated factors in female same-gender couples. Clinical implications include evaluating factors associated with recent IPV use that take into account dyadic associations between partners. Clinical Impact StatementThe study provided a better understanding of intrapersonal and interpersonal correlates of recent intimate partner violence (IPV) in female same-gender couples, including factors related to individual mental health, relationship quality, social support, and sexual minority stress. The results can inform appropriate assessments and interventions that account for both individual and partner factors associated with IPV risk in this population.
Women in same-gender relationships often endure sexual minority stress which can subsequently affect their perceptions of relationship quality. However, most research on sexual minority stress and relationship quality has focused on intrapersonal associations without considering associations across partners. The present study utilized Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs; Kenny et al., 2006) to investigate actor (i.e., intrapersonal) and partner (i.e., cross-partner) associations of sexual minority stress on relationship adjustment and communication processes in female same-gender couples (N = 103 couples, M age = 33.7). Results include that actor and partner discrimination was associated with relationship adjustment (but not communication), while actor and partner internalized stigma and sexual identity disclosure were associated with communication processes (but not relationship adjustment). When all three components of sexual minority stress were analyzed simultaneously, several components remained significant across relationship quality outcomes. Findings demonstrate the intrapersonal and cross-partner associations of sexual minority stress in female same-gender relationships and have important clinical implications for working with these couples.
Recent research suggests that female same-gender couples have higher dissolution rates compared to male same-gender and mixed-gender couples. Despite these disparate relationship outcomes, scarce research has identified reasons for relationship dissolution in this population. The present study presents quantitative and qualitative findings from 65 individuals who were previously in female same-gender relationships that ended in breakup or divorce. The most commonly endorsed retrospective reasons for breakup included too much arguing and conflict, mental health problems, infidelity, and lack of sex or sexual satisfaction. Approximately two thirds of the sample also endorsed a "final straw" that ultimately led to the end of their relationship, with infidelity, too much arguing, substance abuse, and mental health problems being endorsed most frequently. Other themes such as growing apart, incompatibility, challenges navigating consensual nonmonogamy agreements, and lying and betrayal were also identified from participants' written descriptions of their breakup stories. Results have important implications for future research and relationship intervention development for female same-gender and queer couples.
Asian American women routinely face multiple and intersectional forms of discrimination based on their marginalized social identities, including during their interactions within the US health care system. However, most research on discrimination against Asian American women is limited by its exclusive focus on race-, gender-, or language-based forms of discrimination; and research has yet to assess if their discriminatory health care experiences are associated with poor health outcomes. To address this gap, we centered the experiences of Asian American women ( N = 905) from the Association of American Medical Colleges Biannual Consumer Survey of Health Care Access, a national survey of health care consumers conducted from 2011 to 2020. Prevalence rates were established for unfair treatment due to race, gender, culture, language, age, health insurance, and sexual orientation. Multiple regression models were used to assess how these discriminatory experiences were associated with health and functioning outcomes. Findings demonstrate a high prevalence (32.0%) and wide range of discriminatory experiences in health care settings among Asian American women. The majority of these discriminatory experiences were significantly associated with poorer health and functioning outcomes, even after controlling for demographic influences. Results highlight the need for further development of culturally sensitive medical practices and policies to improve the delivery of health care for Asian American women.
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