Symposia
Couples / Close Relationships
Melissa V. Gates, M.S. (she/her/hers)
Doctoral Student
Binghamton University
SUNY Binghamton
Vestal, New York
Melissa V. Gates, M.S. (she/her/hers)
Doctoral Student
Binghamton University
SUNY Binghamton
Vestal, New York
Eileen Barden, MS
Graduate Student
Binghamton University (SUNY)
Vestal, New York
Dana Ergas, MS
Graduate Student
Binghamton University (SUNY)
Vestal, New York
Richard Mattson, PhD
Associate Professor
Binghamton University (SUNY)
Vestal, New York
Sarah Young, PhD
Assistant Professor
Binghamton University (SUNY)
Vestal, New York
Sean Massey, PhD
Associate Professor
Binghamton University (SUNY)
Vestal, New York
Christina Balderrama-Durbin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Binghamton University
Binghamton, NY
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual+ (LGB+) couples are at heightened risk for break-up, potentially attributed to LGB stressors such as stigmatization, discrimination, and lack of social support for the relationship (e.g., Khaddouma et al., 2015). While same-sex couples are pursing therapy, their needs are often left unmet (Pepping et al., 2017). The current study examined formal (e.g., help from trained professionals) and informal (e.g., help from friends and family) forms of LGB+ relationship help-seeking behaviors, perceived helpfulness of attained resources, and barriers to couple therapy with the intention of enhancing relationship resources for sexual minority couples.
A total of 127 (N=254) LGB+ couples, in a committed relationship for at least six months, completed self-report measures online. Data comes from a national community sample of gay (36.2%, n=92), lesbian (20.9%, n=53), and bisexual+ (42.1%, n=107) adults, who were predominantly white (89.4%, n=227), male-identifying (57.1%, n=145), and in their early forties (M=42.06).
When seeking relationship help, couples most frequently reported consulting with a friend or family member about relationship issues (49.2%, n=125), seeking relationship information online (41.7%, n=106), engaging in individual counseling for support around relationship issues (32.3%, n=82), and utilizing self-help books (31.9%, n=81). Among those who sought help, most individuals perceived all forms of relationship resources to be mostly or extremely helpful.
Concerns such as professionals declining care to LGB+ individuals (45.2%, n=115), lack of professionals competent to work with LGB+ individuals (44.9%, n=114), and concerns with being treated unkindly or unfairly (40,5%, n=103) were described as major barriers to accessing formal couple therapy. Findings suggest the importance of LGB+ individuals receiving care from professionals who demonstrate competency in LGB-specific stressors and experiences. Notably, the majority of individuals from the current sample (83.8%, n=213) reported that relationship help tailored to specifically meet the needs of sexual minority couples was moderately to extremely important. Thus, relationship help resources would benefit from tailoring to better meet the needs of LGB+ couples. Pattern differences in relationship help-seeking behaviors and barriers to care by demographic characteristics (e.g., sexual and gender identity, age) will also be discussed.