The Influence of Stress on Depression and Substance Use Problems Among Young Male Same-Sex Couples: Relationship Functioning as an Underlying Mechanism
Year: 2019
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Stress experienced by either partner in a couple can have a negative impact on each partner's health, but most dyadic research on stress and health focuses on different-sex couples. We examined relationship functioning as a mechanism underlying the longitudinal actor and partner effects of stress on depression and substance use problems among 109 young male same-sex couples. There were significant indirect actor effects of internalized stigma and microaggressions on depression and alcohol use problems through negative relationship interactions. Participants who reported higher levels of internalized stigma and microaggressions reported more negative relationship interactions, which in turn was associated with reporting greater depression and alcohol use problems. In contrast, none of the indirect partner effects were significant. Findings implicate negative relationship interactions as a mechanism linking minority stress to health, but raise questions about the influence of partner stress on individual health among young male same-sex couples.
Source: Clinical Psychological Science
Institutions: Northwestern University, DePaul University
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Science Institute (NUCATS), Dyadic influences on HIV risk behavior and substance abuse among young men who have sex with men and their partners, Understanding and reducing HIV risk behavior and substance use among self-identified bisexual adolescent men, The RADAR cohort study of multilevel Influences on HIV and substance use
OpenAlex ID: W2944059432