Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2020 The Lived Experience of Monogamy Among Gay Men in Monogamous Relationships Kellie L. Barton Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Clinical Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Kellie Barton has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Chet Lesniak, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Scott Friedman, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Susan Marcus, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer and Provost Sue Subocz, Ph.D. Walden University 2020 Abstract The Lived Experience of Monogamy Among Gay Men in Monogamous Relationships by Kellie Barton MS, Walden University, 2012 BS, University of Phoenix, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University February 2020 Abstract Research on male gay relationships spans more than 50 years, and the focus of most of this research has been on understanding the development processes, consequences, and risk factors of nonmonogamous relationships. Few researchers have explored the nature and meaning of monogamy in the male gay community. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to explore the lived experience of monogamy to give voice to other expressions of gay male relationships and potentially add to the literature surrounding clinical implications of treatment. The framework for developing the research emerged from the construct of the monogamy gap, derived from theories of cultural hegemony and cognitive dissonance. Giorgi’s phenomenological approach was used to explore 2 primary research questions: (a) What is the experience of monogamy in gay male relationships? and (b) What is the experience of the monogamy gap for men in gay relationships? Interviews were conducted with 6 adult men who reported being monogamous for at least 12 months. The results revealed that the experience of monogamy is not as portrayed in typical research and literature. Key themes that emerged were family of origin, societal expectations, infidelity versus monogamy, and communications of expectations related to monogamy. The discussion of social change centers on medical, mental, and personal well-being of this target group, and sharing the results of this study to inform researchers, clinicians, and those working with marginalized gay adult men. The Lived Experience of Monogamy Among Gay Men in Monogamous Relationships by Kellie Barton MA, Walden University, 2012 BS, University of Phoenix, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University February 2020 Dedication For my children, Joey, Aubrey, and Kai, who have sacrificed with me through this experience. Their support, encouragement, and understanding of the time and commitment to this process has been a daily reminder to me of why I began this journey and who I am working for. To all the men who have experienced negative stigma due to their sexual orientation, know that there are researchers working to obtain more accurate data, clinicians striving to provide a greater quality of care, and people who desire a better understanding of your experience. Acknowledgements I am grateful for and appreciative of the people who have played a significant role in my dissertation process. First and foremost, I thank Dr. Arcella Trimble who set the standard in my Academic Year in Residency that the dissertation stage is where the hard work happens and is not the time to quit. To Dr. Chet Lesniak who took on my dissertation and remained on as my chair despite many pauses and subsequent submission attempts. I appreciate the insights from Dr. Scott Friedman, second committee member, who helped me view the process through a different lens and the URR Dr. Susan Marcus who provided thoughtful and constructive feedback. I thank my family who continued to cheer me on and never wavered in their support. Dr. Brenda Murrow who provided invaluable insight and knowledge throughout the writing process. I especially want to thank all the participants in this study for their willingness to share their story and their contribution of knowledge to an often misunderstood and misrepresented area. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................1 Background of the Study ...............................................................................................2 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................5 Purpose of the Study ......................................................................................................5 Research Questions ........................................................................................................5 Conceptual Framework and Theoretical Foundation .....................................................6 Conceptual Framework ............................................................................................6 Theoretical Foundation ............................................................................................8 Nature of the Study ......................................................................................................10 Definitions....................................................................................................................11 Assumptions .................................................................................................................12 Scope and Delimitations ..............................................................................................13 Limitations ...................................................................................................................15 Significance..................................................................................................................16 Summary ......................................................................................................................17 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................18 Introduction ..................................................................................................................18 Literature Search Strategy............................................................................................18 Historical Context of Homosexuality ..........................................................................19 Emergence of Homosexuality as a Disease Model ................................................19 Transformation From Disease Model to Choice and Sexual Expression ..............20 i Monogamy and Relationship Health in Gay Couples ..................................................22 Comparative Studies: Hetero/Homosexual Relationship Satisfaction, Health, and Longevity ...............................................................................................................22 Research on Monogamy and Relationship Health .................................................26 Current Research on Relationship Health in Gay Couples ....................................27 Studies of Monogamy in Gay Male Couples .........................................................27 Role of Health and Medical Concerns ...................................................................34 Cultural Pressures and Conformity ........................................................................36 Effect on Health due to Changes in State and Federal Law ..................................39 Conceptual and Theoretical Framework .......................................................................40 Defining Monogamy ..............................................................................................41 Framework for the Current Study ..........................................................................42 Monogamy Gap .....................................................................................................42 Research Examining the Tenets of Monogamy Gap Theory .................................42 Cultural Hegemony ................................................................................................46 Cognitive Dissonance ............................................................................................47 Theoretical Application .........................................................................................49 Summary ......................................................................................................................49 Chapter 3: Research Method