Minority stress in same-gender male romantic relationships: When does it impact relationship commitment?

ABSTRACT

Research suggests that same-gender couples’ relationship quality is related to the levels of minority stresses they encounter. According to the investment model, relationship commitment is maintained through three constructs: satisfaction, perceived quality of alternatives, and investment. Employing the investment model, the present study investigated internalized homophobia and concealment of sexual identity as direct contributors to relationship commitment, and as moderators of the relationships between the investment model constructs. A questionnaire measuring study variables was administered to 358 Israeli gay and bisexual men in cohabiting same-gender relationships. Commitment to relationship was explained by satisfaction, investment, and alternatives, as well as concealment. Internalized homophobia moderated the relationships between investment and alternatives and commitment. Theoretical and practical contributions regarding the detrimental effect of minority stresses on same-gender couples’ romantic relationship quality are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Same-gender relationships
• investment model
• commitment
• internalized homophobia
• concealment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).