title: Outness and relationship satisfaction in same-gender couples.
abstract: Self-disclosure of sexual orientation, or outness, is a fundamental feature of gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) experience, yet little is known about how outness impacts same-gender relationship satisfaction. Through a qualitative analysis of interviews with 15 same-gender couples, the complexities of navigating a stigmatized identity in a homonegative society emerged, including (a) characteristics of outness, (b) the influence of coupling on an individual's outness, and (c) the impact of outness on same-gender relationship satisfaction. Findings suggest that for GLB persons, outness is a developmental skill, an expression of identity and values, as well as a resilience strategy for managing discrimination and gay-related stress that influences, though does not singularly determine, relationship satisfaction. Implications for clinical practice and future research suggestions are presented.
authors.affiliation: Couples and Family Therapy Program, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-5251, USA. nbknoble@gmail.com
authors.forename: Naomi B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Knoble
authors.forename: Deanna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Linville
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult