Dyadic Microaggressions in Same-Sex Couples: Conceptualizations, Measurement, Correlates, and Impacts

Background and Purpose:

Same-sex couples frequently encounter microaggressions, but current research and measures typically focus only on individual experiences. This approach overlooks microaggressions at the relational level, creating a significant gap in our understanding of how these interactions affect same-sex couples. This lack of insight hinders the development of effective services tailored for same-sex couples and families. To bridge this gap, this study aims to develop a brief measurement tool specifically designed to assess dyadic microaggressions experienced by same-sex couples. It will also identify potential correlates and test the relationships between dyadic microaggressions and behavioral health outcomes.

Methods:

The Dyadic Microaggressions Scale (DMS) is a five-item scale developed by the research team, drawing on literature and previous interviews with same-sex couples in Taiwan. An example item reads: “Despite knowing that I have a same-sex partner, my family and friends still try to set me up with single individuals of the opposite sex,” (1:Did not experience, to 5: always). In collaboration with the local LGBTQ+ community, the team recruited 52 same-sex couples (N = 104) to participate in an online survey that included the DMS, along with measures to assess demographic backgrounds and behavioral health outcomes. These outcomes encompassed psychological distress, measured via seven items asking participants to rate their stress across major life domains (1: not at all stressed; 4: very stressed), and an unhealthy lifestyle index, calculated by summing three binary items related to participants’ smoking, drinking, and exercise behaviors (0 to 3, higher scores indicating more unhealthy lifestyles). A Structural Equation Model was employed to perform confirmatory factor analysis on the DMS. Cronbach’s alpha and Loevinger’s H from Mokken Scale analysis were used to evaluate the DMS’s psychometric properties. Bivariate analysis explored the relationships between dyadic microaggressions and selected correlates, while generalized linear models were utilized to examine the associations between dyadic microaggressions and behavioral health outcomes. Cluster robust estimator was used for statistical inferences. Finally, model fits and assumptions were thoroughly checked to ensure analytical quality.

Results:

First, the results of the SEM indicated that, as anticipated, all five items significantly loaded on a single factor, showing acceptable model fits (X² = 6.56, p > 0.10; RMSEA = 0.052; CFI = 0.986; TLI = 0.971; CD = 0.80). Second, the scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and strong scalability, with Cronbach’s alpha at 0.70 and Loevinger’s H at 0.52. Third, surprisingly, very few of the selected demographic variables were significantly associated with dyadic microaggressions (DM). Finally, after adjusting for control variables, DM was significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress (adjusted beta = 1.40, p < 0.01, CI: 0.51 – 2.29) and unhealthy lifestyles (adjusted odds ratio = 2.30, p < 0.05, CI: 1.08 – 4.90).

Conclusions and Implications:

Dyadic microaggressions are a crucial construct to consider in promoting the wellbeing of same-sex couples, as they may affect all same-sex couples equally. The Dyadic Microaggressions Scale may also serve as a valid brief measurement tool for assessing experienced dyadic microaggressions among same-sex couples.