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

Rice, Tekisha Monet

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/97786 Copy

Description

Title

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

Author(s)

Rice, Tekisha Monet

Issue Date

2017-04-27

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Ogolsky, Brian G.

Committee Member(s)

Oswald, Ramona F.

Department of Study

Human Dvlpmt & Family Studies

Discipline

Human Dvlpmt & Family Studies

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

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

Abstract

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.

Graduation Semester

2017-05

Type of Resource

text

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

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2017 Tekisha Rice

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