In Press articles with pre-publication information
You may download pre-publication versions of some of our in press papers. Please note that these are pre-publication drafts and changes may be made to the text before publication. Please check with the final publication before quoting from the paper, or check with the author for changes.
Riggle, E.D.B., Rostosky, S.S., & Horne, S.G. (In press, 2008). Marriage Amendments and Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals in the 2006 Election. Sexuality Research and Social Policy.
Rostosky, S.S., Riggle, E.D.B., Horne, S.G., & Miller, A.D. (In press, 2009). Marriage Amendments and Psychological Distress in Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) Adults. Journal of Counseling Psychology.
Riggle, E.D.B., Rostosky, S.S., & Danner, F. (In press). LGB identity and eudaimonic well-being in midlife. Journal of Homosexuality.
Rostosky, S.S., Riggle, E.D.B., Brodnicki, C., & Olson, A. (In press). An exploration of lived religion in same-sex couple relationships Judeo-Christian religions. Family Process.
Riggle, E.D.B., Rostosky, S.S., & Horne, S.G. (In press, 2008). Marriage Amendments and Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals in the 2006 Election. Sexuality Research and Social Policy.
Abstract
Over half of U.S. states have passed amendments to their constitutions effectively excluding same-sex couples from civil marriage. The impact of these ballot initiatives and debates on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals has been under-researched. Extending prior research on ballot initiatives as well as research on LGB groups, this study hypothesized that in states with ballot initiatives LGB individuals would report exposure to more negative messages, report more negative psychological distress, and engage in higher rates of political activities, (i.e., voting and LGB activism). Results from a national cross-sectional online survey of 1849 LGB participants conducted post-election in November, 2006, supported these hypotheses.
Rostosky, S.S., Riggle, E.D.B., Horne, S.G., & Miller, A.D. (In press, 2009). Marriage Amendments and Psychological Distress in Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) Adults. Journal of Counseling Psychology.
Abstract
An on-line survey of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults (N = 1552) examined minority stress (Meyer, 2003) and psychological distress following the 2006 general election in which constitutional amendments to limit marriage to one man and one woman were on the ballot in nine states. Following the November election, participants living in states that passed a marriage amendment reported significantly more minority stress (i.e., exposure to negative media messages and negative conversations, negative amendment-related affect, and LGB activism) and higher levels of psychological distress (negative affect, stress, and depressive symptoms) than participants living in the other states. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses revealed significant positive main effects of minority stress factors and state ballot status on psychological distress. In addition, the association between amendment-related affect and psychological distress was significantly higher in states that had passed a marriage amendment compared to other states. Discussion of these findings emphasizes that marriage amendments create an environment associated with negative psychological outcomes for LGB individuals.
Riggle, E.D.B., Rostosky, S.S., & Danner, F. (In press). LGB identity and eudaimonic well-being in midlife. Journal of Homosexuality.
ABSTRACT
Eudaimonic well-being refers to personal growth and having purpose and meaning in life. High levels of eudaimonic well-being facilitate a positive life experience. The National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) data was used to test a model predicting eudaimonic well-being as a function of sexual identity. Reporting a lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) identity was associated with lower eudaimonic well-being scores. Results also indicated that perceived daily discrimination, being female and having less education were associated with lower eudaimonic well-being; racial/ethnic minority status was associated with increased eudaimonic well-being. These results are discussed in light of recent scholarship on understanding and promoting the well-being of sexual minority individuals.
Rostosky, S.S., Riggle, E.D.B., Brodnicki, C., & Olson, A. (In press). An exploration of lived religion in same-sex couple relationships Judeo-Christian religions. Family Process.
Abstract
Religiosity has been found to be associated with higher relational quality among heterosexually married individuals (Mahoney et al, 1999). Little is known, however, about the religiosity of nonheterosexual individuals, and virtually nothing is known about religiosity in same-sex couples. The purpose of this qualitative interview study was to examine couples' experiences of incorporating religiosity/spirituality into their committed relationships. In a
purposive sample of 14 same-sex couples, we found that couples used their spiritual/religious values to understand and undergird their relationships. In this process, they negotiated intra-couple differences in religious practices, involved themselves in activities that have religious or spiritual meaning to them, created religious social support for their relationships, and experienced some non-supportive or rejecting interpersonal interactions with religious family members, congregants, and strangers. The limitations of the study are discussed. The findings are instructive to therapists who work with same-sex couples and the family members of GLB individuals. We conclude with specific suggestions for practitioners.