Trajectories of commitment and instability across the legalization of same-sex marriage: an examination of the role of heterosexist experiences

Almost two full years have passed since the legalization of same-sex marriage in the historical Obergefell v. Hodges case. However, sexual minorities continue to face heterosexism (National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, 2016) and the US fails to consistently provide protections for individuals on basis of sexual orientation (Movement Advancement Project, 2017). Based on a sample of 262 LGBQ identifying individuals in same-sex relationships, the current study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between the frequency and salience of heterosexist experiences and relationship instability and commitment across the legalization of same-sex marriage. Heterosexism stemming from isolation, vigilance, discrimination, and family of origin displayed cross-sectional associations, indicating a cumulatively adverse effect. Longitudinal findings for victimization and vigilance (and cross-sectional findings for vicarious trauma) suggest that the frequency, rather than the salience, of heterosexist events has more implications for relationship commitment and stability. Taken together, these findings indicate that marriage equality may have done little to decrease heterosexism or alleviate the adverse influences of minority stress.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Human Dvlpmt & Family Studies

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2017

Author dc:creator

• Rice, Tekisha Monet

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ogolsky, Brian G.
• Oswald, Ramona F.

• Relationship commitment
• Relationship stability
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer (LGBQ)
• Marriage equality
• Minority stress
• Romantic relationships

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2017 Tekisha Rice

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/97786

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/97786