Masculinity and Minority Stress among Men in Same-Sex Relationships (1 CE)

Number of Credits: 1

This course is for:  Clinical psychologists, counselors, and LMFTs

Course By: Michael Parent, PhD

Content By: Lu, A., LeBlanc, A. J., & Frost, D. M. (2019). Masculinity and minority stress among men in same-sex relationships. Society and Mental Health, 9, 259-275. doi: 10.1177/2156869318773425

Course Description: Minority stress processes impact the well-being of sexual minority men. These processes include experiences of discrimination, expectations of rejection, identity concealment, and internalized homophobia. The present study extended research on minority stress and masculinity to men in same-sex relationships. The authors conducted a qualitative study using data from 24 couples. Participants were asked to recall incidents that involved prejudice or discrimination related to being a same-sex couple. Data were coded for these events as well as discussions of masculinity. Two overarching themes were identified: Threatened by others’ gender performances and straight-acting masculinity as individual-level insulation with couple-level challenges. The authors emphasize the importance of studying well-being in couples and including masculinity in examinations of well-being of sexual minority men in same-sex relationships. Future research may explore minority stress processes within couples among women in same-sex relationships and may include more diverse samples.

Learning Objectives:

• Define hegemonic masculinity
• Identify and define the four minority stress processes described in the study
• Identify and evaluate the two major themes identified in responses as they pertain to the conclusions presented by the researchers.

Course Outline:

1. Read and understand Masculinity and minority stress among men in same-sex relationships.
2. Review the Course Description and Learning Objectives.
3. Review the findings of the quantitative study.
4. Complete the post-test questions. Recall that answers should be based on the referenced article.
5. Return to the referenced article for any missed questions and/or to recall how minority stress can impact men in same-sex relationships.