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Published on: February 29, 2020
Cultural value orientations, internalized homophobia, and accommodation in romantic relationships
Stanley O Gaines1, Michael C Henderson, Mary Kim
1Department of Human Sciences, Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom.
Journal of Homosexuality
|December 22, 2005
Summary
Socially oriented values promote relationship accommodation in both heterosexual and gay couples. However, internalized homophobia negatively impacts accommodation specifically within gay relationships, highlighting unique challenges.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Understanding relationship accommodation is crucial for relationship satisfaction and longevity.
- Cultural values and internalized homophobia may influence how individuals respond to relationship conflict.
- Previous research has primarily focused on heterosexual relationships, leaving a gap in understanding diverse relationship dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of cultural value orientations (individualism, collectivism, familism, romanticism, spiritualism) on accommodation in heterosexual and gay relationships.
- To examine the specific impact of internalized homophobia on accommodation within gay relationships.
- To compare accommodation strategies across different relationship types and cultural contexts.
Main Methods:
- Survey methodology employed with a sample of 262 heterosexual individuals and 857 gay individuals.
- Assessment of cultural value orientations, including individualism, collectivism, familism, romanticism, and spiritualism.
- Measurement of accommodation responses (voice, loyalty, exit, neglect) and internalized homophobia.
Main Results:
- Socially oriented values (collectivism, familism, romanticism, spiritualism) were positively associated with accommodation in both heterosexual and gay relationships.
- Individualism was not significantly related to accommodation across relationship types.
- Internalized homophobia was negatively associated with accommodation specifically in gay relationships.
Conclusions:
- Social values play a significant role in fostering constructive responses to relationship challenges across diverse relationships.
- Internalized homophobia presents a unique barrier to accommodation within gay relationships, underscoring the need for targeted support.
- Findings inform interventions and therapeutic approaches for enhancing relationship quality in both heterosexual and gay partnerships.
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