Same- and Other-Sex Aversion and Attraction as Important Correlates of Quality and Outcomes of Mormon Mixed-Orientation Marriages |
| |
Authors: | Audrianna J Dehlin Renee V Galliher Elizabeth Legerski Anita Harker John P Dehlin |
| |
Institution: | 1. Department of Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA;2. Department of Sociology, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA;3. Department of Social Sciences, Whatcom Community College, Bellingham, WA, USA;4. Open Stories Foundation, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Many studies have assessed characteristics of mixed-orientation marriages (MOM), unions between a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer/questioning (GLBQ) partner and a heterosexual spouse. In this study, experiences of physical and emotional other-sex attraction versus aversion were posited as important factors with implications for relationship outcomes. One-hundred-sixty-five GLBQ identifying individuals who were currently or formerly in MOMs and were currently or formerly members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS, Mormon) completed a measure of physical and emotional same- and other-sex attraction and aversion, as well as the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Divorced or separated participants reported more other-sex physical aversion, physical aversion to the spouse, other-sex emotional aversion, same-sex emotional attraction, and less emotional attraction to the spouse. Higher other-sex attraction and attraction to the spouse were associated with better relationship quality for both men and women in intact marriages. For men only, same-sex attraction was related to worse marital relationship quality, and religiosity was moderately to strongly related to most indices of attraction/aversion. Interview data obtained from a subsample of participants further explored the unique challenges experienced by partners in their efforts to develop and maintain intimacy in MOMs. |
| |
Keywords: | mixed-orientation marriages marital satisfaction GLBQ sexual aversion Mormon |
|
|