Date of Conferral

3-18-2025

Date of Award

March 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Michael Langlais

Abstract

Queer individuals encounter unique challenges in romantic relationships, making it essential to explore factors that influence their relationship quality. The purpose of this quantitative study was to compare relationship quality among queer individuals based on the method of meeting (i.e., through dating applications vs. in person) and to test communication quality as a moderating variable. This study examined commitment and satisfaction as the dependent variables for relationship quality and meeting method as the independent variable. The research addressed whether there were (1) differences in relationship quality based on meeting method and (2) whether communication quality moderated this relationship. The study was grounded in social identity theory, exploring how social identity influences preferences for meeting methods, and social exchange theory, emphasizing communication as a key relational investment. Using a comparative, cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 113 queer adults either currently partnered or previously partnered through online platforms, assessing relationship quality and communication quality. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and linear regression. Results indicated no differences in relationship quality, commitment, or satisfaction based on meeting method. However, communication quality emerged as a strong predictor of relationship outcomes, accounting for 35%–47% of the variance in satisfaction, commitment, and perceived relationship quality. Despite nearing it, the interaction between communication quality and meeting method did not reach significance, suggesting that communication functions as a predictor. The study promotes communication skill-building in queer relationships and reducing stigma around dating applications.

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