How Does Attachment Style Interact With Discrimination Experiences To Affect Relationship Satisfaction And Intimacy In Queer Partnerships?
The term "queer" refers to people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, questioning, intersex, agender, aromantic, and others, excluding heterosexual cisgender individuals. This can also include those who experience discrimination based on their gender identity or expression.
Attachment styles are patterns of behavior that emerge from early childhood experiences between a caregiver and a child. They influence how an individual forms and maintains close relationships throughout life. There are three attachment styles: secure, anxious, and avoidant. Secure individuals have confidence in their partner's ability to meet their needs and are comfortable expressing themselves emotionally; anxious individuals feel insecure about being rejected and may seek constant reassurance; avoidant individuals tend to avoid intimacy and closeness, even if they desire it.
Discrimination is prejudice against someone based on their perceived differences, such as sexual orientation or gender identity. Queer individuals often face discrimination from family members, peers, workplaces, and society at large, which can affect their relationship satisfaction and intimacy with partners.
This study examined how attachment style interacted with discrimination experiences to impact relationship satisfaction and intimacy in queer partnerships. Participants completed surveys assessing attachment style, discrimination experiences, and relationship satisfaction/intimacy. The results showed that secure individuals had higher levels of satisfaction than other groups, while anxious individuals had lower levels regardless of discrimination experience. Avoidant individuals were more likely to report low levels of intimacy, particularly when they experienced high discrimination. Discussion focused on implications for interventions, including therapy to improve attachment security and education to reduce discrimination.
How does attachment style interact with discrimination experiences to affect relationship satisfaction and intimacy in queer partnerships?
Research has shown that both attachment style and experiences of discrimination can impact the quality of relationships for individuals within queer partnerships. Those who have experienced discrimination may develop negative beliefs about themselves, their identities, and others around them, which can lead to feelings of isolation and distrust, making it difficult to form healthy relationships (Hatzenbuehler & McLaughlin, 2009).