Dissolution of LGBTQ+ Relationships

Abstract

In considering the nature of romantic relationship dissolution, it is important to recognize the unique experience that LGBTQ+ couples may have in the modern world. Specifically, as argued by Lannutti (2014), dynamic sociocultural contextual factors related to these relationships, such as discrimination and changes in legal recognition, may meaningfully affect the relational lives of non-heterosexual people. This assertion, that sociocultural context plays a meaningful role in the dissolution of romantic relationships, is echoed by evolutionary scholars. Thus, in this chapter, we seek to highlight research that recognizes the unique experience of LGBTQ+ relationship dissolution. Although the corpus of knowledge regarding LGBTQ+ relationship dissolution remains sparse, we will provide an overview of what knowledge has been generated up to this point. To begin, we will engage the somewhat thorny topic of how LGBTQ+ relationships have been incorporated into evolutionary theorizing and research. Following this discussion, we articulate some dissolution-relevant relationship features that make the experience of being in a LGBTQ+ relationship different from that of a mixed-sex relationship. Next, we discuss how the actual process of dissolution might differ in LGBTQ+ relationships. Where possible, we draw out insights that evolutionary perspectives may offer in interpreting some of the findings we review. Finally, we offer areas in which we feel that research on LGBTQ+ relationship dissolution can grow moving forward.

Explicating a comprehensive model of post-dissolution distress

“…Moreover, although research has not widely assessed sexual orientation (for exceptions see, Carter et al, 2018; Kurdek, 1997), and sex differences have been mixed (Hunt & Chung, 2012), it is also worth investigating whether experiences with dissolution vary by more nuanced measures of gender identity and sexual orientation. For example, Holland and Lannutti (2023) highlight some factors related to dissolution in LGBTQ relationships that might have implications for PDD (e.g., structural characteristics, minority stress, perceived alternatives). In sum, as Machia et al (2022) have argued, although samples in dissolution research have increased in diversity, there is room for improvement in terms of being more inclusive and viewing dissolution experiences from non-WEIRD lenses (Henrich et al, 2010).…”