The research question investigated how experiences of social support from friends and family, online communities, and coworkers affected how same-sex military couples coped with relationship problems due to being apart for extended periods. The study found that higher levels of perceived social support predicted lower levels of relational stress among these couples. This was true regardless of how long they had been together or whether they lived near one another while one partner served. The results suggest that social support can buffer the negative effects of separation and distance on romantic relationships.
Social support is defined as the presence of individuals who provide emotional and practical assistance during times of need. It can take many forms, including verbal encouragement, material aid, and shared activities. Perceived social support refers to an individual's perception of the availability, accessibility, and quality of their support network. Higher levels of perceived social support have been linked to better mental health outcomes, such as reduced anxiety and depression.
Previous studies have shown that relationship distress is common in same-sex military couples, particularly when one partner is deployed for long periods. Separation and deployment can strain communication, trust, intimacy, and commitment. These challenges are compounded by stigma and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in some parts of society. Social support can help mitigate these difficulties by providing a sense of connection and belonging.
It may allow partners to feel less isolated and more understood. It can also provide practical assistance like childcare or financial resources.
The current study used survey data from 308 same-sex couples in which at least one partner was serving in the US military. All participants were recruited through online advertisements and snowball sampling methods. They completed measures of relational stress, perceived social support, demographics, and other relevant variables. Statistical analyses examined how perceived social support predicted relational stress across various conditions.
The findings showed that higher levels of perceived social support were associated with lower levels of relational stress regardless of the length of time they had been together or whether they lived near each other. This suggests that social support can buffer the effects of separation and distance on romantic relationships. The results did not vary based on factors like age, education, or number of children. They also did not differ between heterosexual and same-sex couples.
This study adds to our understanding of how experiences of social support affect relationships under stress. Same-sex military couples benefit from having a strong support network, both during times of need and everyday life. Future research could explore how different types of support (e.g., online vs. offline) influence relationship outcomes among LGBTQ+ individuals. It is important for health care providers to recognize the unique needs and challenges faced by this population and refer them to appropriate services as needed.
How do experiences of social support buffer the effects of relational stress in same-sex military couples?
In recent studies, it has been found that social support acts as an important protective factor against the negative impact of relationship stress on individuals. Social support can be obtained from various sources, including family members, friends, and peers (Fink & Ickes, 2015).