Confiding in the GLBT Community About Problems in Marriage and Long-Term Committed Relationships: A Comparative Analysis

Kyle Zrenchik, William J. Doherty

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study is the first to examine confiding about problems in marital and long-term committed relationships among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) individuals. Areas explored include the prevalence of confiding relationships, the kinds of problems brought to confidant, and types of stress confidants experience in this role. Prevalence data were presented both for a national sample of 301 GLBT individuals and compared with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 American adults. Findings showed a high prevalence of being a confidant among GLBT respondents, greater than in the general population, and a lower prevalence of confiding in others about problems in their relationships. Of particular interest was the finding of a high degree of support that GLBT individuals provide to heterosexual relationships through the role of confidant. Relationship problems discussed with GLBT confidants were similar to confidants in the general population, as was the level of stress reported by confidants.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)459-477
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of GLBT Family Studies
Volume13
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 20 2017

Keywords

  • Confiding
  • GLBT community
  • marital problems
  • marriage
  • romantic relationships
  • same-sex relationships

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