Introduction
Research focused on commitment in heterosexual relationships has resulted in a large exclusion of the studying commitment in same-sex relationships. Many theoretical ideas and meanings of relational commitment for same-sex couples have typically been generalized from heterosexual relationships (Rostosky et al., 2006). The overlap of concepts in commitment based on heterosexual relationships to homosexual relationships needs to be tested rather than assumed. Even though similarities are seen between the two, identifying them as one rejects important differences and understanding of struggles that are present in same-sex relationships. As a consequence of being in a marginalized relationship, the level of commitment in same-sex partners is affected negatively (Rostosky et al., 2006). The level of commitment in any intimate relationship can be measured using the investment model.
This model states that commitment level is determined by three distinct factors: satisfaction, quality of alternatives, and investments (Miller, 2012). Satisfaction in a relationship increases one’s commitment in a relationship, as people in partnership generally want to be happy, however if there are better potential partners outside the relationship this also effects commitment. This is when the factor of higher qualities in the investment model being to measure commitment. The better alternatives outside your current relationship there are the more likely you will be less committed in the relationship. Finally, investment is a measurement of the potential loses one would receive if he or she were to dissolve the relationship. This paper will focus on how homosexual relationships differ from heterosexual relationships using the distinct facto...
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In the LGBT community, they develop intimate relationships in the same stages as heterosexual couples however they resolve conflicts more positively. Due to them being in a relationship with the same-sex partner, they approach roles in a relationship and marriage using egalitarianism. We all give and receive love differently. Knox & Schacht discuss the different types of loves styles a person’s desires from their relationships such as ludic, pragma, eros, mania, storge, and agape. These different love styles also express how lovers can understand and relate to one
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The other four participants, Lesego, MJ, Solomon and Thabo, who are all between the ages of 22 and 25 years old are in an ‘intimacy vs isolation stage’ (Sadock et al., 2015). During this stage, the virtue of fidelity is important as it emphasises the need for young adults to make and honour any commitments they enter (Sadock et al.,
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Based on previous research, we hypothesize that participants scoring androgynous or scoring high on both masculine and feminine personality traits will be positively correlated with relationship satisfaction. A more androgynous personality will be linked to higher relationship satisfaction. The length of the relationship participants are involved in may also have an impact on relationship satisfaction. Longer relationships could perceive higher satisfaction because are more comfortable in the relationship. However, longer relationships might indicate less satisfaction if the people involved are getting to know each other better and realize they may not be right for each other. Shorter relationships could indicate more satisfaction if the people involved are in the earlier stages, and are just getting to know each other.
Internalized homophobia is when negative attitudes from the primary group, mainly family but also the surrounding community, cause negative homophobic thoughts in a person that has same-sex attraction, but may not identify with it. This kind of internalization creates lack of self worth for those that do not “come out”. Research supports that internalized homophobia contributes to lower self-acceptance, loneliness, depression, and the lessened ability to come out to others. Internalized homophobia has a high impact on lesbians because society’s norms are to be married to a man and reproduce, and this norm is the majority in small, rural communities. Because of this norm, lesbians try to maintain a “normal”, “acceptable” lifestyle, and get married and have children, while fighting within themselves about their identity. “A number of studies have found that the degree of internalized homophobia was inversely related to relationship satisfaction in lesbians” (Spencer, 2007, pg. 258).
It is also important to recognize that it is vital that therapists remain self-aware and avoid judgments based upon their own understanding. This session is my first opportunity to work with a same-sex couple and to see therapy unfold over the span of the quarter. I have based my approach on the data that was presented to me through intake forms and prior sessions with the couple. To protect the couple from any negative counter-transference, I filtered my observations through the theories of Gottman’s Married Couple Therapy (2008), Johnson’s Emotionally Focused Therapy (2008) (EFT), and David’s Integrated Model of Couple Therapy (2013a) (ICT). The bulk of this paper will then examine my therapeutic approach, the supporting theoretical concepts, and my strengths and weaknesses as a therapist during the session.
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Note: This paper has a very long Annotated Bibliography. In recent years, same-sex relationships have become more encompassing in US society. State legislation is changing such as accepting gay marriages, enforcing anti-discrimination laws, and legal gay adoptions; the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community is becoming public. Gay-headed families, like heterosexuals, are diverse and varying in different forms.
The debate over homosexuality as nature or nurture dominates most topics about homosexuality. People often confuse the nature/nurture issue with the development of gay identity. In fact, the nature/nurture argument plays a small, insignificant role concerning gay youths (Walling 11). Homosexual identity is the view of the self as homosexual in association with romantic and sexual situations (Troiden 46) Many researchers have either discussed or created several models or theories concerning the development of homosexual identity. However, the most prominent is Troiden’s sociological four-stage model of homosexual identity formation. Dr. Richard R. Troiden desc...
Gender is a socially constructed phenomenon, and how acceptable one’s relationship is determined by society’s view of gender roles. Because the majority of the population is characterized as heterosexual, those who deviate from that path are ...
Bell, A.P. and Weinberg, M.S. "Homosexualities: A Study of Human Diversity". New York: Simon & Schuster, 1978.
Vrangalova, Z., & Savin-Williams, R. C. (2012). Mostly heterosexual and mostly gay/lesbian: Evidence for new sexual orientation identities. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 41, 85-101. doi: 10.1007/s10505- 012-9921-y.
Marriage naturally creates families; it provides the conditions for a healthy environment that is beneficial to the upbringing of children. Opponents of same-sex marriage often ground their arguments on parental and religious concerns. Many argue that sa...