Legal Marriage, Civil Unions, Registered Domestic Partnership and Well-being among Same-Sex Couples
Year: 2015
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This dissertation used a quantitative method of analysis to explore well-being among couples with different types of legal unions: legal marriage, civil unions, registered domestic partnership. Specifically, this study examined individual, relational, social, and familial components of well-being. Individuals in legally recognized same-sex relationships were recruited for this study. Participants were asked to complete an internet-based survey. Social constructionism provided the theoretical framework for this study. Results show differences among individuals in legally married unions compared to individuals in all other forms of legal unions on measures of satisfaction with life, psychological and physical well-being. Additionally, the results show strong effects for legal marriage on individual well-being when considering couple satisfaction and social support from families and friends. Conclusions for this study suggest that legal marriage may offer a higher level of individual well-being in comparison to other forms of legal unions, while relationship well-being is consistent across all three forms of legal unions.
Author: Naomi J. Schwenke
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2341507755