Shaping intimacy, attachment, and satisfaction
Intimate relationships are an integral part of human life. They can be between people who identify as heterosexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer, transgender, non-binary, or anything else. LGBT individuals have different ways of expressing their sexuality and gender identity than cisgender and straight people. Some researchers suggest that these differences affect how they form relationships and experience them.
Some studies found that many LGBT couples feel social pressure to hide their relationship due to discrimination and stigma. This lack of acceptance may cause them to feel isolated from family and friends and less connected to society. As a result, they may withdraw into themselves, forming more intense bonds with their partners.
Some LGBT couples feel supported by their communities and families. In this case, they may be more likely to seek out new experiences together and engage in group activities. This increased exposure to others outside of their immediate family could lead to greater diversity and variety in their relationship, which can enhance it.
Social validation is when someone accepts and affirms another person's identity. It includes positive reinforcement for doing things like showing affection in public or being open about one's sexual orientation. Invalidating experiences involve negative comments, criticism, exclusion, or judgement based on sexuality or gender expression. Both types of experiences can shape intimacy, attachment, and satisfaction in LGBT relationships differently. Validation may increase self-esteem and feelings of belonging, while invalidation can damage those things.
Each partner's individual experiences may differ, so even if one feels accepted and validated, the other may not.
Imagine two lesbian women who are dating. One woman has come out to her parents and siblings but still faces homophobic jokes and insults from coworkers and strangers. The other woman is closeted and has only told close friends about her girlfriend. The first woman may feel more secure in her relationship because she knows that her family supports her and will stand up for her if needed.
The second woman may fear rejection or violence due to her lack of social support. This fear could impact how much she shares with her partner and the depth of their intimacy. On the other hand, suppose both women face discrimination at work. In that case, they may turn to each other for emotional support and form a stronger bond despite the external pressures.
Experiences of social validation or invalidation can shape intimacy, attachment, and satisfaction in LGBT couples by influencing how individuals perceive themselves and each other. Understanding these factors is crucial for promoting healthy relationships within the community.
How do experiences of social validation or invalidation shape intimacy, attachment, and satisfaction in LGBT couples?
Social validation (or rejection) shapes individuals' self-esteem, self-efficacy, emotions, beliefs, perceptions, motivations, intentions, behavior, well-being, etc. , which can all affect relationships with others (e. g. , partners).