title: Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity as a Moderator of Relationship Functioning After Sexual Assault.
abstract: Sexual assault is unfortunately common, especially among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Yet, the associations of such victimization have not yet been extensively established in the areas of sexual identity and romantic relationship functioning. Accordingly, the present study examined the associations between lifetime sexual assault, LGB identity, and romantic relationship functioning in a sample of 336 LGB individuals. A history of sexual assault was associated with attachment anxiety and several sexual identity components (i.e., higher levels of acceptance concerns, identity uncertainty, internalized homonegativity, and identity superiority). Furthermore, an association of sexual assault and attachment avoidance was moderated by internalized homonegativity. Finally, a more secure LGB identity was associated with healthier romantic relationship functioning. Collectively, these findings are applicable to services for LGB sexual assault victims, suggesting the incorporation of treatment that bolsters LGB identity and couple functioning. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA tgember@shsu.edu.
authors.forename: Tess M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Gemberling
authors.affiliation: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Cramer
authors.affiliation: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Rowland S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.affiliation: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Caroline H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Stroud
authors.affiliation: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Ramona M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Noland
authors.affiliation: Southwest Care Center, Santa Fe, NM, USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Graham
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
keywords: lesbian, gay, and bisexual identity; lifetime sexual assault; romantic relationships