Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious problem in both same-sex and heterosexual relationships. Although there are numerous
similarities in the dynamics of IPV, gay men and lesbians experience unique stressors related to their sexual minority status.
This preliminary, descriptive study examined the relationship among internalized homophobia, stigma consciousness, and openness
to self-reported IPV victimization and perpetration. Among 581 men and lesbians, approximately one-quarter reported IPV victimization
and almost 10% reported IPV perpetration. When demographic variables of age, sex of participant, and relationship status were
controlled, victims of IPV reported greater expectations of prejudice and discrimination, yet were more open about their sexual
orientation. Similarly, expectations of prejudice and discrimination were related to IPV perpetration. As researchers and
counselors focus on understanding, and ultimately reducing, same-sex IPV, it is imperative that sexual minority stressors
are considered.
similarities in the dynamics of IPV, gay men and lesbians experience unique stressors related to their sexual minority status.
This preliminary, descriptive study examined the relationship among internalized homophobia, stigma consciousness, and openness
to self-reported IPV victimization and perpetration. Among 581 men and lesbians, approximately one-quarter reported IPV victimization
and almost 10% reported IPV perpetration. When demographic variables of age, sex of participant, and relationship status were
controlled, victims of IPV reported greater expectations of prejudice and discrimination, yet were more open about their sexual
orientation. Similarly, expectations of prejudice and discrimination were related to IPV perpetration. As researchers and
counselors focus on understanding, and ultimately reducing, same-sex IPV, it is imperative that sexual minority stressors
are considered.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10896-011-9384-2
- Authors
- Amana F. Carvalho, Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
- Robin J. Lewis, Psychology Department, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529-0267, USA
- Valerian J. Derlega, Psychology Department, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529-0267, USA
- Barbara A. Winstead, Psychology Department, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529-0267, USA
- Claudia Viggiano, Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology, Virginia Beach, VA, USA
- Journal Journal of Family Violence
- Online ISSN 1573-2851
- Print ISSN 0885-7482