Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of relationships between opposite sex couples and same-sex couples, post marriage referendum in Ireland, across variable of relationship satisfaction, communication and passionate love. A second aim was to determine if sexual minorities do experience greater discrimination, and how it effect relationship quality. The design implemented was mixed methods including quantitative and qualitative questions. A partially cross-sectional and correlational design was executed to determine significance for the numerous variables. Online snowball sampling using survey techniques was applied to collect data. Measures included the Couple Satisfaction Index, Passionate Love Scale and the Situational Communication Apprehension measure. Results showed that sexual minorities experience significantly higher levels of discrimination than heterosexual couples. Passionate Love and Communication were shown to predict relationship satisfaction. Statistical analysis reported no significant difference in relationship satisfaction based on sexual orientation. Qualitative questions were able to provide more detailed data on discrimination.
