Role Strain Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Couples Diagnosed with Cancer

Role Strain Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Couples Diagnosed with Cancer by Lisa Aaron Thomason MA, New Mexico State University, 1992 BS, New Mexico State University, 1989 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Walden University August 2018 Abstract In society, individuals tend to be socialized into roles that take on characteristics of masculine and feminine. Studies exist on the role strain experienced by heterosexual couples dealing with a life-threatening illness due to this characterization. The scholarly literature lacks studies on the understanding of roles, as well as possible role strain, in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) couples when dealing a lifethreatening illness. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the role strain experiences of LGBTQ couples who are living with cancer diagnoses of a partner. Biddle’s role strain theory provided the conceptual framework for this study. The study included interviewing five LGBTQ couples with a partner having a first-time diagnosis of Stage II or III cancer. Face-to-face, individual, semistructured interviews were used to collect the data, and an open coding method to analyze the data. The themes identified were the significance of fluid roles prior to cancer diagnoses, adjustment to role change, relationship since cancer diagnoses, chosen or determined roles, and society’s views of roles. Finding were LGBQT couples roles were chosen or determined based on the task they enjoy or like to do instead of stereotypical view of masculine and feminine. LGBTQ couples did not report experiencing role strain related to assuming additional roles due to their partners’ illness. Positive implications for social change resulted from the ability to inform healthcare providers how LGBTQ couples manage when supporting a partner diagnosed with Stage II or Stage III cancer.In society, individuals tend to be socialized into roles that take on characteristics of masculine and feminine. Studies exist on the role strain experienced by heterosexual couples dealing with a life-threatening illness due to this characterization. The scholarly literature lacks studies on the understanding of roles, as well as possible role strain, in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) couples when dealing a lifethreatening illness. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore the role strain experiences of LGBTQ couples who are living with cancer diagnoses of a partner. Biddle’s role strain theory provided the conceptual framework for this study. The study included interviewing five LGBTQ couples with a partner having a first-time diagnosis of Stage II or III cancer. Face-to-face, individual, semistructured interviews were used to collect the data, and an open coding method to analyze the data. The themes identified were the significance of fluid roles prior to cancer diagnoses, adjustment to role change, relationship since cancer diagnoses, chosen or determined roles, and society’s views of roles. Finding were LGBQT couples roles were chosen or determined based on the task they enjoy or like to do instead of stereotypical view of masculine and feminine. LGBTQ couples did not report experiencing role strain related to assuming additional roles due to their partners’ illness. Positive implications for social change resulted from the ability to inform healthcare providers how LGBTQ couples manage when supporting a partner diagnosed with Stage II or Stage III cancer. Role Strain Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Couples Diagnosed with Cancer by Lisa Aaron Thomason MA, New Mexico State University, 1992 BS, New Mexico State University, 1989 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Human Services Walden University August 2018 Dedication June 26, 2016, same-sex couples finally won the battle to marry legally in all 50 states. To the heartfelt and arduous battle for society to acknowledge your relationships to be equal to heterosexual relationships; this doctoral study is dedicated. The day that the Supreme Court voted to legalize same-sex marriage, it was truly a happy day for you. To the entire dyslexic community, encouraging every one of you to identify the learning tools that best fit you in your daily academic, social, and work environments. Despite the challenges that you may face, you can achieve your dream and goals. This dissertation is an example of what you can accomplish. A loving family who never let quit enter the picture when feeling that there was no more energy to carry on. Jerry Aaron, loving father who passed away before seeing the completion of this journey. Both parents, Jerry and Linda Aaron were a driving force of their daughters getting college educations. Telling us from the time we could walk we would go to college for a degree. Parents that guided a child who was not confident that she could achieve a college degree, at a time she was unable read a book all the way through. Chip Thomason a loving husband, who encouraged and supported continuing the Ph.D. program. Chip, you provided strong, loving encouragement throughout as well as love during this strenuous journey. The completion of this project is an example of our teamwork. Tina New, my younger sister who listened when I was lost and did not know where to go in the writing of this doctoral study. Unknowingly, the guidance provided kept the project on track. The understanding of this challenging subject added validity to the importance of its completion. Acknowledgments To Dr. Tina Jaeckle for accepting the role of committee chair and help lead this groundbreaking research. Dr. Jaeckle, you came at a time when it felt like it was time to give up the search for a chair. You accepted the role, even though you were full and did not have to step up to assist. Thank you for that. Throughout the process, you continued to encourage. To Dr. Barbara Benoliel, who provided encouragement and support in the early Stages when the ideas were in their infancy. You agreed to step in as a committee member at the proposal Stage to strength our team approach. Thank you for your continuous encouragement, and valuable feedback on revisions. The constructive feedback pushed the study to the next level in producing the best possible dissertation. To Dr. Jeffrey Harlow, thank you for being on the committee. Thank you to the University of Mississippi Medical Center – Cancer Institute for permitting this doctoral research to recruit participants at your faculty. A special thank you to all the participants, who shared their feelings and experiences for this research study, without you. I would not have completed my dissertation. I am thankful to all my love ones and friends who provided compassion, inspiration, and comfort through the journey and the completion of my Ph.D.