I do, but i can’t: The impact of marriage denial on the mental health and sexual citizenship of lesbians and gay men in the United States

Herdt, Gilbert; Kertzner, Robert M.

doi:10.1525/srsp.2006.3.1.33

Cited by 93 publications

(80 citation statements)

References 78 publications

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“…At the structural and most distal level (i.e., laws and policies), same-sex couples are denied access to the same forms of legal relationship CAMPAIGN MESSAGES AND MINORITY STRESS 6 recognition that are afforded to heterosexual couples (i.e., marriage and its corresponding benefits) in the overwhelming majority of countries around the world. Thus the act of denying same-sex couples the right to marry and their accompanying exclusion from the rights of other (heterosexual) citizens, likely diminishes same-sex couples well-being (GLMA, 2008;Herdt & Kertzner, 2006;Michael King & Bartlett, 2006). Indeed, this structural stigmatization has been shown to have a negative impact on the health of sexual minority individuals in numerous studies (see Hatzenbuehler, 2014 for a review).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Daily exposure to negative campaign messages decreases same-sex couples’ psychological and relational well-being

Frost

Fingerhut

2016

Group Processes & Intergroup Relations

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Throughout history, the rights of stigmatized minority group members have been subject to popular debate and voter referenda. The impact of the resulting devaluing social discourse on the well-being of minority group members remains unknown. For example, exposure to the discourse leading up to decisions on same-sex marriage may have negative consequences for sexual minority individuals and same-sex couples. We examined the impact of exposure to same-sex marriage campaign messages (e.g., commercials, billboards, yard signs) on the psychological and relational well-being of couples living in the four states that had same-sex marriage voter initiatives in the 2012 general election. Sixty-two same-sex couples ( N = 124) completed a baseline survey and 10 daily diary reports during the month before the election. Daily exposure to negative campaign messages was associated with increased negative affect and decreased positive affect and relationship satisfaction. These associations persisted controlling for baseline levels of depression and daily fluctuations in general stress among both members of the couple. Exposure to a devaluing social discourse regarding the rights of same-sex couples represents a unique form of social stress resulting in negative consequences for the psychological and relational well-being of same-sex couples. Thus, the health of same-sex couples may be of particular concern in contexts where marriage policy decisions are pending and the subject of popular debate.

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confidence: 99%

Daily exposure to negative campaign messages decreases same-sex couples’ psychological and relational well-being

Frost

Fingerhut

2016

Group Processes & Intergroup Relations

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“…In the United States, fewer than one in four same-sex couples live in a jurisdiction in which some form of legal recognition of their relationship by state or local government is available (Gates, Badgett, & Ho, 2008); therefore, very little is known about the psychological benefits that members of same-sex couples in legally recognized partnerships may enjoy (Herdt & Kertzner, 2006;Herek, 2006).…”

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confidence: 99%

Psychological distress, well-being, and legal recognition in same-sex couple relationships.

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Horne

2010

Journal of Family Psychology

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Legal recognition of same-sex couple relationships provides at least some material benefits to couple members; however, few studies have examined the associations between legal recognition and psychological distress or well-being. Using an online survey sample of 2,677 lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) individuals, participants were placed in 4 groups: single, dating, in a committed relationship, and in a legally recognized relationship. Analyses revealed that participants in committed or legally recognized relationships reported less psychological distress (i.e., internalized homophobia, depressive symptoms, and stress) and more well-being (i.e., the presence of meaning in life) than single participants. Significant group differences and multivariate analyses indicated that participants in a legally recognized relationship reported less internalized homophobia, fewer depressive symptoms, lower levels of stress, and more meaning in their lives than those in committed relationships, even after controlling for other factors. The need for further research on the psychological benefits of legal relationship recognition for same-sex couples is discussed.

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“…In the USA, marriage offers important benefits and rights in areas such as healthcare, adoption, parenting, taxation, and finances Herdt and Kretzner 2006). Same-sex marriage policies provide gay and lesbian couples with the same rights, benefits, and obligations available to married opposite-sex partners.…”

Section: Same-sex Marriage Policymentioning

confidence: 99%

The “Persuadable Middle” on Same-Sex Marriage: Formative Research to Build Support among Heterosexual College Students

et al. 2011

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Same-sex marriage is a controversial policy issue that affects the welfare of gay and lesbian couples throughout the USA. Considerable research examines opinions about same-sex marriage; however, studies have not investigated the covariates of the "persuadable middle"-those individuals who are neutral or unsure about their views. This group of people is often the target of same-sex marriage campaigns, yet they have received no empirical attention.Using a sample of heterosexual college students, we conduct multinomial logistic regression to identify the factors associated with being neutral about same-sex marriage. Findings suggest that in comparison with those who endorse or oppose same-sex marriage, political ideology and views about the acceptability of same-sex relationships are influential in determining the "persuadable middle." Within each category other factors are identified. We discuss the implications for policy advocacy efforts to advance marriage equality.

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I do, but i can’t: The impact of marriage denial on the mental health and sexual citizenship of lesbians and gay men in the United States

Cited by 93 publications

References 78 publications

Daily exposure to negative campaign messages decreases same-sex couples’ psychological and relational well-being

Daily exposure to negative campaign messages decreases same-sex couples’ psychological and relational well-being

Psychological distress, well-being, and legal recognition in same-sex couple relationships.

The “Persuadable Middle” on Same-Sex Marriage: Formative Research to Build Support among Heterosexual College Students

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