Abstract
Providing culturally competent services to same-sex couples requires an understanding of the social context in which these relationships are formed and maintained. Using minority stress theory (I. H. Meyer, 2003) as an interpretive framework, the authors conducted a dyadic-level qualitative analysis of 40 (20 female; 20 male) couples' conversations about their committed partnerships. Findings indicate that couples experience minority stress as they interact with their family members, coworkers, and communities. In response to stressors, couples use coping strategies that include reframing negative experiences, concealing their relationship, creating social support, and affirming self and partnership. Recommendations for practitioners based on these findings include assessing minority stress, facilitating coping, and taking a critical stance toward policies that perpetuate social stigma and chronic stress.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 392-400 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Professional Psychology: Research and Practice |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2007 |
Keywords
- discrimination
- gay
- lesbian
- relationship
- social stress
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychology (all)