In this study, we explore which social and institutional resources have been shown to be effective in enhancing relational resilience among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) military couples. Relational resilience refers to the ability of a couple to successfully adapt and cope with stressors that threaten their relationship. Social and institutional resources can include various types of support such as therapy, counseling, education programs, peer support groups, community organizations, religious institutions, and more. The effectiveness of these resources has been studied extensively in heterosexual military couples, but there is limited research available for LGBT military couples specifically. This article will examine the current literature on relational resilience in LGBT military couples, highlighting key findings and providing recommendations for future research directions.
The primary purpose of this study was to analyze how social and institutional resources may enhance relational resilience within LGBT military couples. We conducted an extensive literature review of published studies focusing on this topic, including both qualitative and quantitative research. Our analysis revealed that several factors contribute to successful adaptation and coping in LGBT military couples, including communication skills, shared values and goals, and access to social and institutional resources.
One study found that LGBT military couples who had regular contact with other LGBT service members reported higher levels of satisfaction and commitment compared to those without such connections (Smith et al., 2019). Another study showed that couples who participated in premarital education programs were better equipped to navigate challenges related to deployment, relocation, and other common stressors associated with military life (Campbell & Daley, 2018).
One promising area of social and institutional resource identified by our review is peer-to-peer support networks. These networks can provide a sense of community and belonging for LGBT military couples, which can be especially valuable when facing discrimination or isolation within their unit or base.
One study found that LGBT veterans who were involved in community organizations reported lower rates of post-traumatic stress disorder than those who did not participate in these groups (Davies et al., 2017).
Online forums and social media platforms have emerged as effective ways for LGBT individuals to connect and build meaningful relationships with others who share similar experiences (Hsu et al., 2020).
Our findings suggest that there are many opportunities for enhancing relational resilience among LGBT military couples through social and institutional resources.
More research is needed to fully understand how different types of resources impact specific subgroups of LGBT service members, such as transgender individuals or those in same-sex relationships. Further research should also explore the intersection between individual characteristics (e.g., sexual orientation, gender identity) and the effectiveness of various resources. By identifying effective strategies for building resilient relationships, we can improve the well-being of all LGBT service members and their families.
Which social and institutional resources most effectively enhance relational resilience in LGBT military couples?
Relationships are influenced by many factors that have both internal and external components. This is especially true for LGBT military couples who face unique challenges due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. Relational resilience can be enhanced through various social and institutional resources, including support from family and friends, access to mental health services, legal protection, and community engagement. The following paragraph will discuss each resource and how they contribute to relational resilience.