An Exploratory Study of Predictors of Relationship Commitment for Cisgender Female Partners of Transgender...

The current exploratory study investigates which variables predict commitment among cisgender women currently in a relationship with a transgender-identified partner. This study includes variables specific to gender diverse couples such as years in the relationship, amount of prior knowledge about transgender identity, and gender role beliefs. Also included are the general relationship factors of satisfaction, quality of alternatives, investment size, and the outcome variable of commitment, as described in the Investment Model of Commitment. Using convenience sampling from online support groups, the sample was n = 138 cisgender female partners. The findings of the regression analyses indicate one's personal resilience and the number of years in the relationship prior to transition are significantly related to partner commitment, with satisfaction mediating both associations. The longer a participant was in the relationship at the time of a gender transition of a partner, the less satisfaction they report, thus reducing commitment to the relationship. Additionally the more personal resilience a partner endorses, the higher the relationship satisfaction, and in turn, more commitment is reported. The results offer information about the important factors related to staying in relationships during and after a gender transition.