Anticipatory Minority Stressors among Same-sex Couples: A Relationship Timeline Approach

Abstract

We build on previous stress theories by drawing attention to the concept of anticipatory couple-level minority stressors (i.e., stressors expected to occur in the future that emanate from the stigmatization of certain relationship forms). A focus on anticipatory couple-level minority stressors brings with it the potential for important insight into vulnerabilities and resiliencies of people in same-sex relationships-the focus of our study. We use relationship timelines to examine stressors among a diverse sample of same-sex couples (N = 120). Respondents in same-sex relationships anticipated stressors that may not be unique to same-sex couples (e.g., purchasing a home together), but labeled many of their anticipatory stressors as reflecting the stigmatization of their same-sex relationship, in and of itself. Respondents rated anticipatory minority stressors as more stressful than other anticipatory stressors. Moreover, stressors varied by gender, age, and relationship duration, although not race/ethnicity or geographic site. This analysis is a preliminary step in examining how unique anticipatory couple-level minority stressors function as determinants of relationship quality, mental and physical health, and health disparities faced by sexual minority populations. Attempts to understand current stress levels should consider anticipatory stressors, alongside past and current life events, chronic strains, daily hassles, and minority stressors, as these processes are impossible to disentangle and may be consequential for current well-being.Key Words: Family; Gender and Sexuality; Mental Health; Sexuality; Stigma Social stress theories have been leveraged to understand disparities for minority populations, including sexual minorities, racial/ethnic minorities, gender minorities and women, and the intersections between these categories (Frost 2017, Meyer 2003, Pearlin and Bierman 2013. The stress process model theorizes how socially patterned stressors contribute to enduring strains which erode one's sense of self and lead to symptoms of distress (Pearlin et al. 1981). For example, those with low socioeconomic status (e.g., lower educational attainment) suffer more chronic exposure to stressors, helping to explain their higher rates of morbidity and mortality A focus on anticipatory couple-level minority stressors brings with it the potential to gain important insight into vulnerabilities and resiliencies of people in same-sex relationships-the focus of our study. We adopt an innovative research method, relationship timelines , to examine anticipatory stressors within and across a diverse sample of same-sex couples.Relationship timelines are graphic representations of the course of a relationship, wherein respondents note key events and periods-both in the past and the anticipated future-and categorize or appraise the degree to which those events and periods were, are, or are likely to be stressful. We specifically address:1. What types of stressors do partners in same-sex relationships anticipate for their...

Status Variation in Anticipatory Stressors and Their Associations with Depressive Symptoms

“…Aligning with past research on the epidemiological distribution of stress, racial and ethnic minority groups report greater levels of vigilance than whites, with anticipation of discrimination positively associated with depressive symptoms (Hicken et al 2014; Sawyer et al 2012). Another exception can be found in recent research on same-sex couples by Thomeer and colleagues (2018), which highlights considerable anticipatory stress among this group regarding the possibility of being discriminated against due to pervasive homophobia. But whereas hypervigilance and fears of race- and sexual orientation-related discrimination are unique to the minority stress model, anticipatory stress is a concept with potential for even broader application.…”

Couple-Level Minority Stress and Mental Health among People in Same-Sex Relationships: Extending Minority Stress Theory

“…Locating stress experience as it is tied to roles and/or identities—for example, to the role of spouse or partner and the stigmatization of marginalized identities—may lead to important insights regarding the social structure of stress experience that could ultimately make it easier to predict and address. Continuing efforts to articulate new stress domains in the larger stress universe are an important step in that direction (Frost and LeBlanc 2014; Thomeer et al. 2018; Wheaton 1999).…”

Can Spouses Buffer the Impact of Discrimination on Depressive Symptoms? An Examination of Same-sex and Different-sex Marriages

“…The provision of spousal support may also differ for same-sex and different-sex couples because sexual minority individuals experience higher levels of stress due to prejudice, discrimination, and/or rejection due to their disadvantaged social status (Meyer 2003) and as such may elicit or desire more support from a spouse. Additionally, members of same-sex relationships are exposed to and anticipate unique minority stressors as a result of their stigmatized relationship (e.g., public scrutiny as a couple, navigating benefits for same-sex couples; Frost et al 2017; LeBlanc, Frost, and Wight 2015; Thomeer et al 2018). As such, we examine whether patterns of supportive dyadic coping differ for men and women in same-sex and different-sex marriages, even after accounting for perceived discrimination.…”