Examining minority stress, dyadic coping, and internalizing symptoms among male same-sex couples using actor-partner interdependence models
- PMID: 33749295
- PMCID: PMC8455724
- DOI: 10.1037/cou0000542
Examining minority stress, dyadic coping, and internalizing symptoms among male same-sex couples using actor-partner interdependence models
Abstract
Minority stress processes have been consistently linked to increased internalizing symptoms among sexual minority individuals. However, very little research has studied the impact of minority stress on the mental health of same-sex couples. The present study examined associations of actor and partner heterosexist microaggressions and internalized heterosexism with internalizing symptoms, moderated by dyadic coping, among male same-sex couples. Participants were 774 men who have sex with men (387 dyads). Results of actor-partner interdependence models showed that actor, but not partner, minority stress was positively associated with internalizing symptoms. Dyadic coping moderated the association of actor heterosexist microaggressions on internalizing symptoms such that for those who engaged in more dyadic coping, the association of heterosexist microaggressions with internalizing symptoms was weaker. Dyadic coping also moderated the association of partner internalized heterosexism on internalizing symptoms. For those who engaged in more dyadic coping, their partner's internalized heterosexism was associated with greater internalizing symptoms. Although dyadic coping may buffer the effects of minority stress on internalizing symptoms, if partners rely too heavily on one another to cope with stress, it may be detrimental to their mental health. Implications for relationship education interventions for same-sex couples are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Figures
Similar articles
-
Dyadic Moderators of the Minority Stress-HIV Risk Association in Male Couples.AIDS Behav. 2024 Jun;28(6):2023-2033. doi: 10.1007/s10461-024-04303-4. Epub 2024 Mar 15. AIDS Behav. 2024. PMID: 38489139
-
Minority stress and relationship functioning among young male same-sex couples: An examination of actor-partner interdependence models.J Consult Clin Psychol. 2018 May;86(5):416-426. doi: 10.1037/ccp0000296. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2018. PMID: 29683699 Free PMC article.
-
A dyadic analysis of relationship satisfaction and depressive symptoms among same-sex couples.J Fam Psychol. 2022 Apr;36(3):372-377. doi: 10.1037/fam0000912. Epub 2021 Sep 2. J Fam Psychol. 2022. PMID: 34472936
-
A literature review of the relationship between dyadic coping and dyadic outcomes in cancer couples.Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2021 Oct;54:102035. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102035. Epub 2021 Sep 11. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2021. PMID: 34520996 Review.
-
Romantic relationships and sexual minority health: A review and description of the Dyadic Health Model.Clin Psychol Rev. 2020 Dec;82:101924. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101924. Epub 2020 Sep 23. Clin Psychol Rev. 2020. PMID: 33002795 Free PMC article. Review.
Cited by
-
Dyadic Moderators of the Minority Stress-HIV Risk Association in Male Couples.AIDS Behav. 2024 Jun;28(6):2023-2033. doi: 10.1007/s10461-024-04303-4. Epub 2024 Mar 15. AIDS Behav. 2024. PMID: 38489139
-
Substance Use and Relationship Functioning Among Young Male Couples.Arch Sex Behav. 2023 Jul;52(5):2097-2110. doi: 10.1007/s10508-023-02627-1. Epub 2023 Jun 23. Arch Sex Behav. 2023. PMID: 37351709 Free PMC article.
-
Couples Coping Together: A Scoping Review of the Quantitative and Qualitative Evidence and Conceptual Work Across Three Decades.Front Psychol. 2022 Jun 10;13:876455. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.876455. eCollection 2022. Front Psychol. 2022. PMID: 35756297 Free PMC article.
-
Protocol for an attention-matched randomized controlled trial of 2GETHER: a relationship education and HIV prevention program for young male couples.Trials. 2022 Jun 20;23(1):514. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06457-9. Trials. 2022. PMID: 35725624 Free PMC article.
-
Relationship quality and mental health among sexual and gender minorities.J Fam Psychol. 2022 Aug;36(5):770-779. doi: 10.1037/fam0000944. Epub 2021 Dec 16. J Fam Psychol. 2022. PMID: 34914423 Free PMC article.
References
-
- Arnett JJ (2007). Emerging adulthood: What is it, and what is it good for? Child Development Perspectives, 1(2), 68–73. 10.1111/j.1750-8606.2007.00016.x - DOI
MeSH terms
Grants and funding
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Other Literature Sources
Medical