‘Struggling to be the alpha’: sources of tension and intimate partner violence in same-sex relationships between men

Abstract

In countries such as the USA, gay and bisexual men experience high rates of intimate partner violence. However, little is known about the factors that contribute to this form of violence. In this study, we examine gay and bisexual men’s perceptions of sources of tension in same-sex male relationships and how these may contribute to intimate partner violence. We conducted seven focus group discussions with 64 gay and bisexual men in Atlanta, GA. Focus groups examined men’s reactions to the short-form revised Conflicts Tactics Scale to determine if each item was considered to be intimate partner violence if it were to occur among gay and bisexual men. Analysts completed a thematic analysis, using elements of grounded theory. The sources of tension that men identified included: gender role conflict, dyadic inequalities (e.g. differences in income, age, education), differences in ‘outness’ about sexual identity, substance use, jealousy, and external homophobic violence. Results suggest that intimate partner violence interventions for gay and bisexual men should address behavioural factors, while also focusing on structural interventions. Interventions that aim to reduce homophobic stigma and redefine male gender roles may help to address some of the tension that contributes to intimate partner violence in same-sex male relationships.

Dyadic Reporting of Intimate Partner Violence Among Male Couples in Three U.S. Cities

“…The stress created by this internalized stigma, coupled with other behaviors such as drug and alcohol use (which may also be exacerbated by minority stress factors), may have significant effects on IPV risk. Factors associated with minority stress and dyadic power struggles were among precipitants of IPV in a recent qualitative study of male couples ( Goldenberg et al, 2016 ). Findings revealed that IPV was more common among partners who had experienced homophobic violence and who had traditionally hegemonic views of masculinity that they had difficulty negotiating, referred to as “struggling to be the alpha” ( Goldenberg et al, 2016 ).…”

“…In recent research among this group, age has been reported to be a significant factor in IPV—with violence decreasing with age and having an older partner reducing the risk of experiencing violence ( Stephenson et al, 2013 ). It has been suggested that for male–male couples, age differences may influence IPV through an older partner’s assertions of dominance and control over the younger partner ( Goldenberg, Stephenson, Freeland, Finneran, & Hadley, 2016 ). Financial stress, depression, and alcohol and drug use in relationships are also correlates of IPV for both heterosexual couples and same-sex male and female couples ( Carvalho et al, 2011 ; Goldenberg et al, 2016 ; Leone, Crane, Parrott, & Eckhardt, 2016 ; Stall et al, 2003 ; Stephenson, Rentsch et al, 2011 ; Stephenson et al, 2013 ).…”

“…It has been suggested that for male–male couples, age differences may influence IPV through an older partner’s assertions of dominance and control over the younger partner ( Goldenberg, Stephenson, Freeland, Finneran, & Hadley, 2016 ). Financial stress, depression, and alcohol and drug use in relationships are also correlates of IPV for both heterosexual couples and same-sex male and female couples ( Carvalho et al, 2011 ; Goldenberg et al, 2016 ; Leone, Crane, Parrott, & Eckhardt, 2016 ; Stall et al, 2003 ; Stephenson, Rentsch et al, 2011 ; Stephenson et al, 2013 ). Substance use has long been identified to be a significant factor in violence among heterosexual couples ( Leone et al, 2016 ) and more recently in male couples ( Goldenberg et al, 2016 ; Stall et al, 2003 ; Stults, Javdani, Greenbaum, Kapadia, & Halkitis, 2015 ).…”

“…Financial stress, depression, and alcohol and drug use in relationships are also correlates of IPV for both heterosexual couples and same-sex male and female couples ( Carvalho et al, 2011 ; Goldenberg et al, 2016 ; Leone, Crane, Parrott, & Eckhardt, 2016 ; Stall et al, 2003 ; Stephenson, Rentsch et al, 2011 ; Stephenson et al, 2013 ). Substance use has long been identified to be a significant factor in violence among heterosexual couples ( Leone et al, 2016 ) and more recently in male couples ( Goldenberg et al, 2016 ; Stall et al, 2003 ; Stults, Javdani, Greenbaum, Kapadia, & Halkitis, 2015 ). As has been recognized in heterosexual couples, differences in financial wealth and security may result in financial dependence or relational power dynamics that increases the risk of violence among male couples ( Goldenberg et al, 2016 ).…”

“…Substance use has long been identified to be a significant factor in violence among heterosexual couples ( Leone et al, 2016 ) and more recently in male couples ( Goldenberg et al, 2016 ; Stall et al, 2003 ; Stults, Javdani, Greenbaum, Kapadia, & Halkitis, 2015 ). As has been recognized in heterosexual couples, differences in financial wealth and security may result in financial dependence or relational power dynamics that increases the risk of violence among male couples ( Goldenberg et al, 2016 ). Emerging evidence suggests that IPV precipitants specific to male–male couples may include inter-partner differences in degree of “outness” (i.e., public recognition or disclosure of their sexuality), a difference that may precipitate bidirectional violence as well as creating a power imbalance where the “out” partner may threaten to disclose his partner’s sexual orientation and lead to further violence ( Goldenberg et al, 2016 ).…”