Relational satisfaction is an important component of psychological wellbeing for all individuals, including LGBT service members. Relationships provide emotional support, companionship, and validation that can help individuals cope with stressors related to their identity, workplace experiences, and personal lives. In this context, it is essential to understand how relational satisfaction influences various aspects of psychological outcomes in LGBT service members. Research has shown that higher levels of relationship satisfaction are associated with better coping strategies, improved performance, and positive psychological outcomes such as lower rates of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among LGBT service members. The present study aimed to explore the role of relational satisfaction in influencing these variables using a sample of 150 LGBT service members who completed self-report measures of relational satisfaction, coping styles, job satisfaction, and psychological distress. Participants were recruited from active duty military personnel stationed across the United States, with a mean age of 28 years (SD 7.3), and 65% identified as male.
The results revealed that higher levels of relational satisfaction were significantly associated with more effective coping strategies, such as active problem solving and social support seeking, and less reliance on maladaptive coping mechanisms like denial and avoidance. These findings suggest that relationships play a critical role in helping LGBT service members manage challenges related to their sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as the demands of military life.
Participants who reported higher levels of relational satisfaction exhibited greater job satisfaction and lower levels of psychological distress than those with lower levels of relational satisfaction. This finding underscores the importance of prioritizing relational health for LGBT service members, particularly given the unique challenges they face within military culture.
In sum, this research highlights the significant impact of relational satisfaction on various aspects of psychological functioning for LGBT service members. By fostering strong, satisfying relationships, individuals can improve their ability to cope with stressors and achieve greater overall wellbeing. Moving forward, it will be important to further explore how relational satisfaction influences other outcomes, such as physical health, resilience, and career success among LGBT service members.
How does relational satisfaction influence coping, performance, and psychological outcomes in LGBT service members?
Relational satisfaction can have a positive impact on various aspects of individuals' lives, including coping strategies, performance at work or school, and mental health. Studies have shown that individuals with high levels of relationship satisfaction tend to cope better with stressful situations and perform better in their professional or academic roles compared to those who are not satisfied with their relationships.