Same-Sex Couples’ Psychological Interventions: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Despite the growing literature on LGBTQ + individuals’ mental health, there has been no publication of a systematic review focused exclusively on effective psychological interventions for same-sex couples (SSC). The aim of this review is to investigate whether there are any empirical quantitative studies evaluating the outcome of couple psychological interventions specifically delivered to SSC. Multiple databases were screened by two independent reviewers for studies published between Jan 1996-Dec 2017. Hand-searching included journals, books and grey literature. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Pre-defined eligibility criteria, methodological quality assessments and qualitative synthesis of the results were applied. After reviewing 1,451 citations, 9 eligible studies were identified with 583 SSC. They represent five unique psychoeducational or psychotherapeutic interventions, namely Relationship Education, Couples HIV Testing and Counseling, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Behavior Couples Therapy, and “Connect with Pride.” The overall risk of bias of included trials was moderate. Affirmative outcomes were related to high satisfaction with the interventions and improvements on multiple variables such as health-related behaviors, relationship enhancement, drug/alcohol abuse. The current review confirms that SSC are still underrepresented in couple outcome research. There is preliminary evidence of possible benefits regarding couple interventions for SSC.

Keywords:

• Same-sex couples
• systematic review
• outcome research
• psychological interventions

Notes

1 * Streghtening Same-Sex Relationships Program, Female Version

2 Randomized controlled trial

3 ± Streghtening Same-Sex Relationships Program

4 * (e.g., psychotic thought processes, severe substance abuse, cognitive impairment that would prevent basic comprehension of questionnaire or intervention materials, active suicidal or homicidal ideation, and self-reported domestic violence).

5 Contacting partners: positive communication, problem solving, negative communication, perceived stress, and relationship support were improved compared to wait list. Social support was not different across groups. Other partners: positive communication, problem solving, perceived stress & social support were better compared to wait list. Negative communication and relationship support showed no difference across groups.

6 Contacting partners: positive & negative communication showed worsening at follow-up. Perceived stress was improved and problem solving, social support, and relationship support were maintained at the same levels as post-intervention. No differences detected in relationship quality & satisfaction. Relationship confidence was improved. Other partners: Improved positive communication, perceived stress and confidence was detected. No other changes were found.

7 ♦ Couples HIV Testing & Counseling

8 Individual voluntary HIV counseling and testing

9 ∝ For the exploratory analysis 11 couples found HIV serodiscordant and 9 provide data on unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) and 51 couples found seroconcordant negative and provide data on outside sex partners

10 Unprotected anal intercourse

11 Men who have sex with men

12 Behavior Couple Therapy

13 Individual Behavior Therapy

14 Alcohol Use disorder

15 Percent days of heavy drinking

16 Gottman Method Couples Therapy

17 + suicidality, minor/major domestic violence, emotional abuse, alcohol and drug addiction

18 This study was evaluated with NICE checklist for correlation studies.

19 This study was evaluated with NICE checklist for correlation studies.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.