Marriage Equality Laws and Relationship Satisfaction
The termination of same-sex relationship restrictions has been found to have an overall positive effect on relationship satisfaction for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals.
This is more complicated than simply saying that "marriage makes everything better." It can be challenging to analyze how marriage equality laws affect these individuals because there are many variables involved, including societal attitudes toward homosexuality, socioeconomic status, geographic location, family dynamics, and individual personality traits.
Relational Satisfaction
Studies show that when same-sex couples are able to marry legally, they report higher levels of relational satisfaction than those who cannot. This is likely due to increased social support from friends and family members, as well as legal recognition of their relationship, which reduces feelings of stigma and prejudice.
Research indicates that married LGBTQ+ individuals experience greater financial stability, which may also contribute to enhanced satisfaction in their relationships.
One study found that access to healthcare benefits and tax breaks associated with marriage led to a decrease in anxiety among LGBTQ+ couples.
Minority Stress
Marriage equality laws have been shown to reduce stress related to being part of a minority group. This occurs through decreased exposure to discrimination, harassment, and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. When a couple's relationship is recognized by society, it sends the message that they are valued and accepted as equal citizens, reducing experiences of microaggressions and other forms of oppression.
Marriage can provide an opportunity for visibility and representation within communities, increasing awareness of diversity and acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities.
Mental Health
Research has shown that marriage equality laws can improve mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals. One study found that after marriage equality was implemented in the United States, there was a significant reduction in psychological distress and depressive symptoms among same-sex couples. Another study showed that this resulted in reduced suicide attempts among gay men.
These findings suggest that legally recognizing same-sex relationships promotes resilience and reduces risk factors for mental illness.
Not all studies agree on the effects of marriage equality laws on mental health. Some argue that while legal recognition is important, it does not eliminate the underlying stigma or prejudice faced by LGBTQ+ individuals daily.
Some research suggests that the positive effects may be short-lived and do not always persist over time. Despite these mixed results, more research is needed to fully understand how marriage equality impacts the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ couples and their families.
What effects do marriage equality laws have on relational satisfaction, minority stress, and mental health among LGBTQ+ couples?
The recent legalization of same-sex marriage has had both positive and negative impacts on LGBTQ+ individuals' well-being. On one hand, being able to legally marry someone who they love can provide validation, legitimacy, and social acceptance, which can contribute to higher levels of relationship satisfaction (Nagel & Jost, 2019).