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Loading ...Study examines effect of marriage on gay couples
03.20.2009 1:45pm EDT
(San Francisco, California) The legal recognition of same-sex relationships, including marriage, influences how gay and lesbian baby boomers prepare for late life and end of life issues, a new study has found.
Unmarried same-sex couples may suffer greater fear and anxiety around end of life issues than those in state-sanctioned unions, according to the findings.The research was conducted by scientists at San Francisco State University, the University of Minnesota and George Washington University. It appears this month in the journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy.
“We are just beginning to explore the effects of legal recognition of relationships among lesbian and gay adults,” said Brian deVries, professor of gerontology and lead author of the study.
DeVries said that lesbian and gay baby boomers who live in states that do not legally recognize same-sex couples are more likely to have prepared for the end of life by completing such documents as living wills than those who live in states that do recognize their relationships.
At the same time, these lesbian and gay people, single or part of a couple, are more likely to have greater fears and anxieties about end of life and later life issues.
“The bottom line is that those who reside in states that do not recognize relationships or sanctioned marriages between same-sex couples feel less cared for and less cared about and must take extra legal steps to prepare for their later years,” deVries said.
“The absence of recognition of same-sex relationships conveys a sense of second-class citizenship and a stress associated with such unwelcome status.”
The findings were based on responses to a survey in which 797 gay and lesbian boomers were questioned about their fears regarding end of life issues and preparations for later life. Those queried were women and men, both single and couples, living in states that did and did not legally recognize marriage between same-sex partners.
>Well DUH!!
I know it’s dull, but that’s one thing that separates us from our political enemies: we validate our opinions, no matter how seemingly obvious they are, by running studies. It’s a very necessary part of the process.
Sometimes the research results actually end up differently than we all would expect. Sometimes they don’t. But you still need the research to be sure (from a scientific/policy viewpoint). Not running the research is lazy and intellectually sloppy.
I’m glad to see that it at least has been studied.
We certainly didn’t need to pay for a study to figure this one out. we should use our time and money to fight for equality not the obvious.
This is kind of like the study that concluded that poor people have little money.
However, if it is helpful to get marriage equality, then by all means use it. I suppose the religious fanatics might need to see something like this. Although reasoning is not one of religious people’s strengths.
k. just singing to the choir and as IF the Focus on the Family folks would give a rats ass!
I don’t know about your assertion Luis…how many people (who have already made up their minds about gay rights) will actually take the time to read documented studies? Not many I would assume. They probably wouldn’t be able to actually go and find the Journal of Sexuality Research and Social Policy because they lack the research skills that are necessary nor would they actually take the time to do so.
It may seem obvious to us, but well documented studies by respected universities will help change minds. Even if a person is conservative, they may be swayed by well documented studies.
It may seem obvious, but people are less likely to listen to reason unless it’s spelled out to them by numbers in studies.
Ditto, Ballston.
Well DUH!!