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ABSTRACT
Thirteen interracial same-sex couples (8 male, 5 female) participated in a 30-minute dyadic conversation focused on perceptions of stress and coping in their relationship. A qualitative analysis of the transcribed conversations revealed that the majority of couples experienced both race-related and sexual identity–related stress. Almost half of the couples perceived that their identities as same-sex couples were the source of more stress than their identities as interracial couples. Across the full sample, couples described using five coping strategies, including seeking support, meaning-making, using humor, active problem-solving, and avoidance. Implications for future research and culturally competent practice are discussed.
This research was partially funded by a 2004 Wayne F. Placek award with additional funding provided by the University of Kentucky College of Education. Preliminary results of this study were presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C. We appreciate the feedback and assistance of the PRISM research team (www.prismresearch.org) at the University of Kentucky. We especially thank Russell Couch for his assistance with this project. We are deeply indebted to our transcriptionist, Ms. Phyllis Hoovler. Dr. Rostosky and Dr. Riggle are cofounders of PRISM (Psychosocial Research Initiative on Sexual Minorities).
Notes
1. The decision to collect couple interaction data rather than traditional interview data was based in part on past findings regarding race of interviewer effects on participants in studies of racial issues (CitationCotter, Cohen & Coulter, 1982; CitationKrysan, & Couper, 2003).