Date of Conferral

5-9-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jana Price-Sharps

Abstract

LGBTQ individuals face a distinct set of societal issues that can lead to intimate partner violence (IPV) and animal abuse together. Grounded in minority stress theory, the purpose of the study was to reduce animal abuse in LGBTQ male and female same-sex relationships by examining the co-occurrence of internalized homophobia, degree of outness, and IPV. The hypotheses for the study include whether internalized homophobia and degree of outness predict animal abuse in LGBTQ same-sex relationships experiencing IPV. This study was conducted with a population of individuals (N = 149) with inclusion criteria of being 18 years of age or older, having stable mental health, not suicidal, manic, or psychotic in the previous 6 months, participants do not have current charges against their partner in court, currently LGBTQ, and not currently involved/living with an abusive partner. The data for this research was gathered by an online survey that included four survey instruments and multiple regression analysis was conducted. The findings indicated that both internalized homophobia and the level of outness were weak predictors of animal abuse. The interaction between internalized homophobia and degree of outness combined had a stronger but still weak association with animal abuse. A key recommendation for counselors and shelters is to improve training on IPV and animal abuse that is inclusive of the unique needs of LGBTQ clients and their animals. The implications for positive social change include heightened awareness of LGBTQ IPV and animal abuse, enhanced services, policy reform guidance, and helping establish more equitable treatment.

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