Dispositional authenticity, internalised homonegativity, and relationship quality in same-gender couples: an actor-partner interdependence moderation model

ABSTRACT

This dyadic study with 158 same-gender couples examined the relationships between dispositional authenticity, internalised homonegativity, and perceived relationship quality, introducing The Internalised Homonegativity-Authenticity Interaction Theory. Internalised homonegativity was found to moderate the relationships between external aspects of dispositional authenticity and perceived relationship quality within same-gender couples. Individuals’ authentic living was only positively related to their own perceived relationship quality when their partners experience below-average levels of internalised homonegativity. The relationship between individuals’ accepting external influence and their partners’ perceived relationship quality was negative when they experience above-average levels of internalised homonegativity. Different aspects of authenticity interact with internalised homonegativity in unique ways. Negative self-beliefs stemming from external environments could alienate internal authenticity. The level of external influence and inclusivity within an environment may shape the diverse development trajectories of LGB individuals’ perception of their social group, resulting in varying outcomes for their attitudes and beliefs towards the group. Furthermore, behavioural or relational authenticity is not always positive; it may contribute to lower relationship quality when one’s partner harbours homonegative beliefs. This study highlights the complex interplay between authenticity, internalised homonegativity, and relationship quality, with significant implications for future research and action.

KEYWORDS:

• Authenticity
• internalised homophobia
• minority stress
• person-centred theory
• LGBT

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, SC. The data are not publicly available due to terms of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Ethics Approval

Ethical approval was obtained at the School of Education Research Ethics Committee of the University of Nottingham (2021/11). The study was performed in compliance with GDPR, and the Code of Research Conduct and Research Ethics at the University of Nottingham.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no funding for this study.