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

Abstract

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.

A Comparative Examination of Unhealthy Behaviors and Negative-LGBT Experiences among Individuals in Legal Same-Sex Marriages and in Committed Same-Sex Relationships

“…In the same study, those who were married also had higher odds of having positive affect or good mood (Wight et al, 2012). One of the few studies on same-sex relationships with a large national-level U.S. sample of over 2,000 respondents found that married individuals reported reduced levels of stress, depressive symptoms and internalized homophobia and reported a higher sense of meaning of life compared to those who were in non-marital committed relationships (Riggle et al, 2010). This was the only study to date to our knowledge that compared those who are married to those who are in committed relationships whereas most studies compare married individuals to those who are single.…”

“…Thus, it is important to understand whether benefits and protections stemming from marriage are being realized for this population. Due to the recent legalization of same-sex marriage, there is limited, but a steadily growing number, of studies that have examined its effect on the lives of LGBT people (Bariola et al, 2015;Wight et al, 2013;Riggle et al, 2010;Dee, 2008;Mathy et al, 2003). Some studies have shown that relationships benefit partners in same-sex dyads.…”

“…Yet, these studies are very few and usually utilize small samples, especially when compared with the existing body of literature on different sex marriage. For example, individuals in legal same-sex marriage, compared to those who are not married, have lower levels of suicidality, psychological distress, depressive symptoms, stress, internalized homophobia and higher levels of positive affect (Bariola et al, 2015;Wight et al, 2013;Riggle et al, 2010;Dee, 2008;Mathy et al, 2003). Data from U.S. and Canada revealed that being in same-sex relationships that are marital or committed had a generally protective effect on suicidality (Mathy et al, 2003).…”

“…In our study, we seek to understand if negative LGBT-related experiences occur at different levels for those who legally marry compared to those who do not. There are very few studies, only one to our knowledge (Riggle et al, 2010), that have examined specifically those legally married and those in committed relationships. We feel that making this distinction is important in understanding the impact of legal marriage on individuals in same-sex marriages.…”

“…We know that individuals in different-sex marriages enjoy protective effects leading to lower usage of drugs, lower levels of mortality and healthier lifestyles (Waldron et al, 1996;Ali and Ajilore, 2011;Waite, 1995). The limited literature on same-sex marriage has shown lower levels of suicidality, psychological distress and internalized homophobia among the marrieds as opposed to those who are not (Bariola et al, 2015;Wight et al, 2013;Riggle et al, 2010;Dee, 2008;Mathy et al, 2003). Based on these findings, we expect that those who are in same-sex marriages to possess indicators that signal better future outcomes as opposed to those who are not in these marriages.…”