The US Department of Defense recognizes that same-sex marriages are legal in every state, and it has extended benefits to married gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender service members since June 26, 2013.
Research shows that many LGBTQ+ individuals still struggle with relationship issues due to stigma and discrimination within their social support systems, including family and friends, workplaces, and religious organizations. Therefore, this article will explore which interventions promote relational satisfaction, psychological well-being, and resilience for LGBT military couples most effectively.
Intervention 1: Couple Communication Training
Couple communication training is an evidence-based intervention that teaches couples how to communicate more effectively with each other. In fact, researchers found that this intervention reduces conflict, enhances intimacy, and improves overall relationship quality in both heterosexual and LGBTQ+ couples. The program consists of six to eight weekly sessions led by trained therapists who guide participants through topics such as active listening skills, conflict resolution techniques, and empathy building. Through guided exercises and activities, couples learn new ways to express themselves without judgment or criticism and discover strategies for understanding one another's perspectives. By focusing on understanding rather than changing partners, couple communication can build a foundation of trust and connection that strengthens relationships over time.
Intervention 2: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is another effective intervention for promoting relationship satisfaction among all types of couples. This form of talk therapy helps individuals recognize negative thought patterns that may be impacting their mood and behaviors, leading to increased stress levels in the relationship.
If one partner consistently blames the other for relationship problems, they might use CBT to identify underlying beliefs about love and commitment and challenge those thoughts. With guidance from a mental health professional trained in CBT, couples can practice reframing negative thoughts into positive ones and developing new coping strategies for dealing with difficult situations.
Intervention 3: Couple Counseling
Couple counseling involves working with a licensed therapist or counselor to address specific issues within the relationship. In many cases, this type of intervention focuses on improving intimacy, resolving conflicts, and managing external stressors. For LGBTQ+ couples facing unique challenges due to prejudice or discrimination, this can involve exploring how these factors affect the relationship and identifying ways to cope with them together. The goal of this intervention is to create an environment where both partners feel heard, understood, and supported while learning new tools for navigating life as a couple. Couple counseling often leads to improved communication skills, conflict resolution techniques, and enhanced emotional connection over time.
Which interventions most effectively promote relational satisfaction, psychological well-being, and resilience for LGBT military couples?
The recent increase in the visibility of same-sex couples and their relationships has led to more research on factors that promote the relational satisfaction, psychological well-being, and resilience of such unions.