Social support in same-sex couples: the role of minority stressors and dyadic adjustment

Introduction:Social support has been highlighted as a strong protective factor as it is able to positively affect individuals’ wellbeing. In sexual minorities, a supportive context has been linked to a better attachment, higher self-esteem and lower depression symptoms and suicidal ideation. Aims:This work aims to investigate the influence of minority stress and dyadic adjustment on perceived social support in a sample of Italian lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people involved in a same-sex relationship. Methods:242 LGB individuals (n=121 gay/lesbian) aged from 18 and 58 years (M=28.75: DS=7.44) completed an online-based survey. Correlational analysis has been conducted to evaluate the association between social support and both minority stress and dyadic adjustment. ANOVA has been used to assess differences in evaluated variables by gender and sexual orientation. Hierarchical analysis has been computed to investigate the influence of minority stress and dyadic adjustment on perceived social support. Results:Pearson’s correlation showed a positive relation between perceived social support and relationship satisfaction (r=.13, p<.05), dyadic adjustment (r=.23, p<.001) and coming out (r=.35, p<.001) and negative correlations with internalized sexual stigma (r=-.40, p<.001) and structural stigma (r=.14, p<.05). ANOVA showed differences in coming out levels (F=10.39, p<.01) by gender and differences in social support (F=7.37, p<.01), coming out (F=51.67, p<.001) structural stigma (F=8.16, p<.01) and received discrimination (F=6.37, p<.05) by sexual orientation. Hierarchical regression results were significant (R2=.29, F=7.75, p<.001): internalized sexual stigma (β=-.27, t=-4.71, p<.001), coming out (β=.29, t=4.33, p<.001), received discrimination (β=-.16, t=-2.22, p<.05) and dyadic adjustment (β=.14, t=2.40, p<.05) seems to significantly impact on perceived social support. Conclusions:Analyses confirmed the relations between social support and both minority stress and dyadic adjustment. It is essential to further deepen our knowledge in order to contribute to the development and enhancement of intervention and support programs aimed at the well-being of LGB community people