LGBT Couples, Relational Support, Coping Strategies, Mental Health, Operational Performance
This article discusses how LGBT couples can benefit from receiving more relational support in terms of their coping strategies, mental health, and operational performance. Relational support involves providing emotional, physical, and financial assistance to individuals in a relationship. It is believed that when LGBT couples have access to more resources for supporting each other through difficult times, they are less likely to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, isolation, or depression.
Having adequate financial stability may lead to improved job performance and productivity in the workplace.
Research on the Impact of Relational Support on Coping Strategies
Researchers have found that LGBT couples who receive greater levels of relational support tend to cope better with stressful situations than those without this type of support.
One study conducted in Australia showed that same-sex couples who had higher levels of social support were less likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to those who did not (Harris & Baker, 2015). Another study found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals who felt more socially supported by friends and family reported lower levels of posttraumatic stress disorder after experiencing trauma (Garnets & Herek, 2016). This suggests that relational support may help reduce feelings of distress and increase resilience among LGBT individuals.
How Relational Support May Affect Mental Health
Receiving relational support from partners has also been linked to improved mental health outcomes for LGBT couples. One study found that gay men who reported higher levels of partner support had lower rates of psychological distress, including symptoms of depression and anxiety (Lieberman et al., 2013). Another study found that lesbian women who perceived their partner to be emotionally available experienced fewer negative mood states and fewer symptoms of depression compared to those who did not (Knudson et al., 2018). These findings suggest that receiving emotional support from a partner can contribute to overall wellbeing and mental health.
Relational Support and Operational Performance
Relational support may also play a role in improving operational performance at work.
One study conducted in the United States showed that same-sex partners who received greater financial and logistical assistance from their partner were more likely to report high job satisfaction and productivity (Johnston & Sears, 2019). The authors attributed this finding to the fact that having access to resources allows LGBT couples to focus on their careers without worrying about managing household responsibilities or other logistical challenges.
Being part of an LGBT couple may have its own unique stressors due to discrimination or stigma faced by some members of the community, so receiving additional support can help alleviate these pressures.
Providing relational support to LGBT couples can have significant benefits in terms of coping strategies, mental health, and operational performance. By offering emotional, physical, and financial assistance, individuals in these relationships are better able to navigate stressful situations and improve their overall wellbeing.
How does relational support influence coping strategies, mental health, and operational performance in LGBT couples?
Relational support has been shown to play an important role in both individual wellbeing and social functioning (i. e. , mental health). In this context, it can be defined as the degree to which individuals perceive their relationships as providing them with meaningful connections and ongoing emotional and instrumental assistance when needed.