Psychological distress, well-being, and legal recognition in same-sex couple relationships.

TLDR

Legal recognition of same‑sex relationships offers material benefits, yet research on its psychological impact remains limited and warrants further study. The study surveyed 2,677 LGB participants online, categorizing them into single, dating, committed, or legally recognized relationship groups. Participants in legally recognized relationships experienced significantly lower internalized homophobia, depressive symptoms, and stress, and greater life meaning than those in committed or single relationships, even after adjusting for other factors.

Abstract

Legal recognition of same-sex couple relationships provides at least some material benefits to couple members; however, few studies have examined the associations between legal recognition and psychological distress or well-being. Using an online survey sample of 2,677 lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB) individuals, participants were placed in 4 groups: single, dating, in a committed relationship, and in a legally recognized relationship. Analyses revealed that participants in committed or legally recognized relationships reported less psychological distress (i.e., internalized homophobia, depressive symptoms, and stress) and more well-being (i.e., the presence of meaning in life) than single participants. Significant group differences and multivariate analyses indicated that participants in a legally recognized relationship reported less internalized homophobia, fewer depressive symptoms, lower levels of stress, and more meaning in their lives than those in committed relationships, even after controlling for other factors. The need for further research on the psychological benefits of legal relationship recognition for same-sex couples is discussed.