Differences by sexual orientation in romantic relationship attitudes and skills among adolescents

Objective This study examined differences by sexual orientation in romantic relationship and marriage attitudes, and relationship skills, among a large, diverse sample of high school youth. Background The romantic relationships of sexual minority youth have been understudied, particularly factors related to their relationship quality, such as attitudes and skills. Sweeping changes in social and legal equality (e.g., same-sex marriage) have promoted a paradigm shift in relationship possibilities for sexual minority youth. Methods Data were drawn from the baseline survey of a study of school-based relationship education for adolescents. Adolescents (N = 979) completed a self-report survey of their demographics, attitudes regarding romantic relationships and marriage, and their romantic relationship skills. Regression models examined differences by sexual orientation identity in relationship outcomes, controlling for relevant demographics. Results Sixteen percent of youth identified as sexual minority. Sexual minority youth, relative to heterosexual youth, did not differ in their attitudes regarding qualities of healthy romantic relationships. However, sexual minority youth endorsed less traditional views of marriage and held less traditional expectations of marriage for themselves. They also perceived themselves to have fewer romantic relationship skills than heterosexual youth. Conclusions Today's sexual minority youth hold less traditional views of marriage as a future for themselves, although legalized same-sex marriage is now available. They perceived themselves as less skilled in romantic relationships, which are critical in adolescence for social and emotional development. Scientific efforts are needed to understand contributors to these differences and inform evidence-based practices to support strong, healthy romantic bonds for all teens.