Sexual and Gender Minority Individuals' Perspectives on How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Affected Their Couple Relationships.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has been proposed to have a negative effect on couple relationships, particularly for sexual and gender minorities assigned female at birth (SGM-AFAB), who report more COVID-related stress than cisgender/heterosexual people and already face stigma-related stressors. This mixed-method study aimed to describe perceived changes in SGM-AFAB relationship functioning during the pandemic, identify correlates of these changes, and use qualitative data to contextualize the findings. From June 2020-July 2021, 227 SGM-AFAB in current romantic relationships completed measures of perceived changes in relationship functioning during the pandemic, negative life impacts of COVID, individual and relationship demographics, and relationship processes (relationship quality, destructive conflict, and partner support). Participants also provided open-ended responses regarding their positive relationship experiences during the pandemic. Findings indicated that most participants perceived improvements in relationship satisfaction, confidence, communication, and dyadic coping; very few perceived negative changes. Perceived changes in relationship functioning were not associated with negative COVID impacts, duration of the pandemic, or with individual or relationship demographic factors. However, higher quality relationship processes were associated with more positive perceived changes in relationship functioning. Qualitative data indicated that participants valued the companionship, support, and stability of their relationships during the pandemic, and many felt that social distancing had provided time for them to engage in joint activities, communication, physical intimacy, and relationship improvement efforts.