scholarly journals Psychological Distress Transmission in Same-sex and Different-sex Marriages

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Behler ◽  
Rachel Donnelly ◽  
Debra Umberson
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Diary Data ◽  
Purposive Sample

Ample work stresses the interdependence of spouses’ psychological distress and that women are more influenced by their spouse’s distress than men. Yet previous studies have focused primarily on heterosexual couples, raising questions about whether and how this gendered pattern might unfold for men and women in same-sex marriages. We analyze 10 days of diary data from a purposive sample of men and women in same-sex and different-sex marriages ( n = 756 individuals from 378 couples) to examine psychological distress transmission between spouses and how this process may differ for men and women in same-sex and different-sex marriages. We find that women are more strongly influenced by their partners’ distress than men, regardless of whether they are married to a man or a woman, and that this relationship is particularly strong for women with male spouses.

scholarly journals EXPOSURE AND EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY TO DAILY STRESS IN SAME-SEX AND DIFFERENT-SEX MARRIAGES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S797-S797
Author(s):  
Michael Garcia ◽  
Rachel Donnelly ◽  
Debra Umberson
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Reactivity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Daily Stressors ◽  
Daily Stress ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Same Sex Couples ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Gendered Patterns

Abstract Recent work exploring links between stress processes and well-being within marriage suggest that women may be at an increased risk for exposure and emotional reactivity to daily stress. However, studies have focused primarily on heterosexual couples, raising questions concerning whether and how these gendered patterns might unfold differently for men and women in same-sex marriages. In the present study, we analyze 10 days of dyadic diary data from 756 midlife men and women in 378 gay, lesbian, and heterosexual marriages to consider how exposure and emotional reactivity to daily stress may differ across union types. We find that women are exposed to more daily stressors than men and that this exposure is especially detrimental to the well-being of women in different-sex marriages. These findings highlight the need to include same-sex couples when exploring gendered linkages between daily stress processes and well-being within marriage.

scholarly journals Childhood Adversity, Daily Stress, and Marital Strain in Same-Sex and Different-Sex Marriages

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 2085-2106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Donnelly ◽  
Debra Umberson ◽  
Rhiannon A. Kroeger
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Adversity ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Daily Stress ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Diary Data ◽  
Marital Strain

Childhood adversity has enduring consequences for individuals throughout life, including increased reactivity to stress that may contribute to marital strain in adulthood. Past research on gendered experiences of heterosexual spouses raises questions about how the influence of childhood adversity might differ for men and women in same-sex marriages. We analyze dyadic diary data from 756 individuals in 106 male same-sex, 157 female same-sex, and 115 different-sex marriages to consider how childhood adversity moderates the association between daily stress and marital strain. Results suggest that the negative consequences of daily stress for marital strain are amplified by past childhood adversity with variation for men and women in same- and different-sex unions, such that women and those in same-sex marriages may experience some protection from the adverse consequences of childhood adversity.

scholarly journals Daily Marital Strain and Sleep in Same-Sex and Different-Sex Couples

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 605-606
Author(s):  
Michael Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Same Sex Couples ◽  
Diary Data ◽  
Union Type ◽  
Gender Impacts ◽  
Marital Strain ◽  
Health And Well Being

Abstract Marital strain has consistently been linked to many indicators of daily health and well-being, including sleep. Prior studies show that, on days when marital strain is higher, women in different-sex couples experience poorer sleep outcomes. However, this work has not yet considered whether and how these relationships differ for men and women in same-sex couples. Using 10 days of dyadic diary data from 756 midlife U.S. men and women in 378 gay, lesbian, and heterosexual marriages, we examine the associations of daily marital strain with sleep quality and duration and consider whether these relationships differ across union type. Results suggest that increased marital strain is associated with poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration, but only for women married to men. These findings underscore the importance of including same-sex couples when exploring linkages between marital dynamics and health, especially when considering how gender impacts these processes.

scholarly journals DEALING WITH A DISTRESSED SPOUSE: MARITAL DYNAMICS IN SAME-SEX AND DIFFERENT-SEX COUPLES

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S411-S411
Author(s):  
Debra Umberson
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Instrumental Support ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Marital Dyads ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Survey Responses

Abstract We use a mixed-methods strategy to generate insights into gendered marital dynamics when one partner is experiencing high levels of psychological distress/depression. Our data are unique in their dyadic design and in the inclusion of same-sex and well as different-sex marital dyads. The data are from closed- and open-ended survey responses (from 808 gay, lesbian, and heterosexual spouses in 404 unions) as well as in-depth interview data (with a subsample of 45 gay, lesbian, and heterosexual couples in 90 unions). Respondents were asked about their most significant period of emotional distress during the marriage, how their spouse reacted to their distress (e.g., providing emotional or instrumental support, withdrawing), and how much they worried about burdening their spouse. Respondents were also asked how they reacted to their spouse’s periods of emotional distress. Preliminary results point to gendered experiences of distress within marriage that sometimes differ for same-sex compared to different-sex couples.

scholarly journals Support in response to a spouse’s distress: Comparing women and men in same-sex and different-sex marriages

2021 ◽  
pp. 026540752199845
Author(s):  
Mieke Beth Thomeer ◽  
Amanda M. Pollitt ◽  
Debra Umberson
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Married Couples ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Time And Space ◽  
Dyadic Data ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Same Sex Couples ◽  
Personal Time ◽  
The U.S

Support for a spouse with psychological distress can be expressed in many different ways. Previous research indicates that support expression is shaped by gender, but we do not know much about how support within marriage is provided in response to a spouse’s distress outside of a different-sex couple context. In this study, we analyze dyadic data from 378 midlife married couples (35–65 years; N = 756 individuals) within the U.S. to examine how men and women in same- and different-sex relationships provide support when they perceive that their spouse is experiencing distress. We find women in different-sex couples are less likely to report taking care of their distressed spouse’s tasks or giving their distressed spouse more personal time and space compared to women in same-sex couples and men. We also find that men in different-sex couples are less likely to report encouraging their spouse to talk compared to men in same-sex couples and women. Being personally stressed by a spouse’s distress is positively associated with providing support to that spouse, whereas feeling that a spouse’s distress is stressful for the marriage is negatively associated with providing support. This study advances understanding of gendered provisions of support in response to psychological distress in marriage, moving beyond a framing of women as fundamentally more supportive than men to a consideration of how these dynamics may be different or similar in same- and different-sex marital contexts.

scholarly journals Support in Response to a Spouse's Distress: Comparing Women and Men in Same-Sex and Different-Sex Marriages

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mieke Beth Thomeer ◽  
Amanda Pollitt ◽  
Debra Umberson
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Married Couples ◽  
Personal Relationships ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Dyadic Data ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Same Sex Couples ◽  
Personal Time ◽  
The U.S

Accepted at the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships Abstract: Support for a spouse with psychological distress can be expressed in many different ways. Previous research indicates that support expression is shaped by gender, but we do not know much about how support within marriage is provided in response to a spouse’s distress outside of a different-sex couple context. In this study, we analyze dyadic data from 378 midlife married couples (35-65 years; N = 756 individuals) within the U.S. to examine how men and women in same- and different-sex relationships provide support when they perceive that their spouse is experiencing distress. We find women in different-sex couples are less likely to report taking care of their distressed spouse’s tasks or giving their distressed spouse more personal time and space compared to women in same-sex couples and men. We also find that men in different-sex couples are less likely to report encouraging their spouse to talk compared to men in same-sex couples and women. Being personally stressed by a spouse’s distress is positively associated with providing support to that spouse, whereas feeling that a spouse’s distress is stressful for the marriage is negatively associated with providing support. This study advances understanding of gendered provisions of support in response to psychological distress in marriage, moving beyond a framing of women as fundamentally more supportive than men to a consideration of how these dynamics may be different or similar in same- and different-sex marital contexts.

scholarly journals It Takes Two to Talk About Prostate Cancer

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 472-484 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela B. Friedman ◽  
Tracey L. Thomas ◽  
Otis L. Owens ◽  
James R. Hébert
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
South Carolina ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Death Rate ◽  
European American ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Research And Education ◽  
Purposive Sample

Prostate cancer (PrCA) is the most commonly diagnosed nonskin cancer among men. African American (AA) men in South Carolina have a PrCA death rate 150% higher than that of European American (EA) men. This in-depth qualitative research explored AA men’s and women’s current practices, barriers, and recommended strategies for PrCA communication. A purposive sample of 43 AA men and 38 AA spouses/female relatives participated in focus groups (11 male groups; 11 female groups). A 19-item discussion guide was developed. Coding and analyses were driven by the data; recurrent themes within and across groups were examined. Findings revealed AA men and women agreed on key barriers to discussing PrCA; however, they had differing perspectives on which of these were most important. Findings indicate that including AA women in PrCA research and education is needed to address barriers preventing AA men from effectively communicating about PrCA risk and screening with family and health care providers.

Sexual identity, sexual attraction and sexual experience: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliet Richters ◽  
Dennis Altman ◽  
Paul B. Badcock ◽  
Anthony M. A. Smith ◽  
Richard O. de Visser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Female Sexuality ◽  
Sexual Attraction ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Sexual Experience ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Sex Attraction

Background Behavioural and other aspects of sexuality are not always consistent. This study describes the prevalence and overlap of same-sex and other-sex attraction and experience and of different sexual identities in Australia. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years recruited by landline and mobile phone random-digit dialling with a response rate (participation rate among eligible people) of 66.2%. Respondents were asked about their sexual identity (‘Do you think of yourself as’ heterosexual/straight, homosexual/gay, bisexual, etc.) and the sex of people with whom they had ever had sexual contact and to whom they had felt sexually attracted. Results: Men and women had different patterns of sexual identity. Although the majority of people identified as heterosexual (97% men, 96% women), women were more likely than men to identify as bisexual. Women were less likely than men to report exclusively other-sex or same-sex attraction and experience; 9% of men and 19% of women had some history of same-sex attraction and/or experience. Sexual attraction and experience did not necessarily correspond. Homosexual/gay identity was more common among men with tertiary education and living in cities and less common among men with blue-collar jobs. Many gay men (53%) and lesbians (76%) had some experience with an other-sex partner. More women identified as lesbian or bisexual than in 2001–02. Similarly, more women reported same-sex experience and same-sex attraction. Conclusion: In Australia, men are more likely than women to report exclusive same-sex attraction and experience, although women are more likely than men to report any non-heterosexual identity, experience and attraction. Whether this is a feature of the plasticity of female sexuality or due to lesser stigma than for men is unknown.

scholarly journals Current Explanations for the Variation in Same-Sex Marriage Policies in Western Countries

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 526-557 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pettinicchio
Keyword(s):  
Gay Marriage ◽  
Policy Outcomes ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Same Sex Marriage ◽  
Gay Couples ◽  
Western Countries ◽  
National Comparison ◽  
Shed Light ◽  
Cross National

Abstract Over the last ten years, several western countries have recognized gay marriage either by providing gay couples the same rights as heterosexual couples, or by allowing civil unions. Other western countries have not. What accounts for this variation? This paper reviews and analyzes the key demographic, institutional and cultural arguments found in the literature on the legalization of gay marriage – especially as these pertain to cross-national comparison – and raises questions about assumptions regarding the extent to which there is variation on these variables across western countries. I argue that institutional and cultural explanations are only meaningful in explaining legalization when their combinations are specified in order to shed light on favorable (or unfavorable) circumstances for policy outcomes.

scholarly journals Patterns of sexual mixing with respect to social, health and sexual characteristics among heterosexual couples in England: analyses of probability sample survey data

2014 ◽  
Vol 143 (7) ◽  
pp. 1500-1510 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. PRAH ◽  
A. J. COPAS ◽  
C. H. MERCER ◽  
A. NARDONE ◽  
A. M. JOHNSON
Keyword(s):  
General Health ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Probability Sample ◽  
Living Together ◽  
Sexual Characteristics

SUMMARYPatterns of sexual mixing are major determinants of sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission, in particular the extent to which high-risk populations mix with low-risk populations. However, patterns of mixing in the general population are poorly understood. We analysed data from a national probability sample survey of households, the Health Survey for England 2010. A total of 943 heterosexual couples living together, where at least one partner was aged between 16–44 years, were included. We used correlation coefficients to measure the strength of similarities between partners with respect to demographic characteristics, general health, health behaviours and sexual history. Males were on average 2 years older than their female partners, although this age difference ranged from a median of 0 years in men aged 16–24 years to a median of 2 years in men aged 35–44 years. A positive correlation between partners was found for all demographic characteristics. With respect to general health and health behaviours, a strongly positive correlation was found between men and women in reporting alcohol consumption at ⩾3 days a week and smoking. Men typically reported greater numbers of sexual partners than their female partner, although men and women with more partners were more likely to mix with each other. We have been able to elucidate the patterns of sexual mixing between men and women living together in England. Mixing based on demographic characteristics was more assortative than sexual characteristics. These data can better inform mathematical models of STI transmission.

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