Internalized Stigma Mediates the Association Between Sexual and Gender Minority Adverse Childhood Experiences and Positive Romantic Relationship Functioning Among Sexual Minority Couples

Sexual minority (SM) individuals experience unique hindrances to forming and maintaining romantic relationships. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may contribute to these unique challenges, with SM individuals being at heightened risk of encountering ACEs. Research has utilized the general ACE measure to better understand individuals’ early experiences; however, this overlooks specific experiences encountered among SM individuals. Sexual and gender minority-specific ACEs (SGM-ACEs) are early heterosexist experiences (e.g., interpersonal discrimination and rejection) that may have consequences (e.g., internalized stigma) which may be projected onto one’s romantic relationship. This study examined the implications of SGM-ACEs on facets of relationship functioning (i.e., dyadic trust, emotional intimacy, sexual intimacy). Internalized stigma was also examined as a mediator. Eighty SM couples in romantic relationships completed self-reported measures. Actor-partner interdependence modeling was conducted to examine actor and partner effects. SGM-ACEs were negatively and directly associated with dyadic trust, emotional and sexual intimacy. Indirect effects also emerged, indicating that SGM-ACEs and facets of relationship functioning were related via internalized stigma on the actor pathway. No direct or indirect partner effects emerged. Findings expand the minority stress theory, explicitly highlighting the influence of minority stress experienced during childhood on adult positive relationship functioning through a systems and developmental perspective.