Internalized shame in lesbians: Precipitating factors and subsequent relationship satisfaction

The present study investigated the relationship between internalized shame and relationship satisfaction in lesbians. It also attempted to gather information on precipitating factors of internalized shame. More specifically, religious involvement was investigated to determine if participation in denominations with historically negative views of homosexuality influenced a person's internalized shame and if so, if individual parish views would mediate the shame. Two hundred surveys were distributed through randomly selected gay friendly churches and newspaper advertisements in a variety of gay newspapers around the country. The surveys contained a cover letter describing the voluntary nature of the study, the provisions set up to maintain confidentiality and investigator contact information. It also contained a demographics sheet, Internalized Shame Scale (ISS), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), 3 x 5 card for contact information if the participant wanted study results and a pre-paid business reply envelope. Fourteen surveys were returned completed and used for analysis. Results showed a medium effect size relationship between internalized shame and relationship satisfaction that matches the hypothesized relationship, however low power prevents finding the effect to be significant. A similar relationship was found between parish and denominational participation and internalized shame. What was found, however, was a significant large size effect with the length of time in the relationship and relationship satisfaction. Exploration of secondary variables, potential explanations for the low survey return rate, limitations of the study as well as implications for future researchers and clinicians are included.