Work

LGBTQ+ College Students’ Relationship Satisfaction During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Research suggests that COVID-19-related restrictions affected individuals’ ability to engage in relationship maintenance behaviors and have led to poorer romantic relationship quality. Poor relationship quality may be especially problematic for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and otherwise non-heterosexual or-cisgender (LGBTQ+) college students, who often lack family support and are at greater risk for mental health issues. We used a social exchange theory lens to examine correlates of relationship satisfaction for LGBTQ+ college students during the early months of the pandemic. The analytic sample consists of 175 LGBTQ+ students ( M age = 20.5) who completed an online survey and reported being in a romantic relationship. Our findings demonstrate that LGBTQ+ students with more supportive partners were more satisfied with their relationships. These results can inform clinicians how to better support LGBTQ+ college couples when they experience relationship stress.

Source: Emerging Adulthood

DOI: 10.1177/21676968231160305

Authors: Tracy L. Walters, Veronica Hanna-Walker, Alyssa N. Clark, Rachael E. Farina, Eva S. Lefkowitz

Institution: University of Connecticut

Language: English

Topic: Attachment and Relationship Dynamics

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: University of Connecticut, Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut