Health of sexual minority couples during their marriage transition
Official title: Sexual minority couples' health during the transition to marriage
Funded at University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) · NIH-10980561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting married affects the health and relationships of same-sex couples, especially during the first two years, to better understand their experiences and challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Denver (Colorado Seminary) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denver, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 20, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $632,717 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MD018167-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are sexual and gender minority couples who have recently married or are planning to marry.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of sexual or gender minority groups may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the health experiences of sexual and gender minority couples as they transition into marriage, a significant life event that has only recently become legally recognized in the U.S. The study will involve both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to assess changes in mental and physical health, relationship dynamics, and the impact of minority stress over the first two years of marriage. By focusing on a diverse group of couples, the research aims to understand how marriage affects health outcomes and the role of relationship factors in this process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and support strategies for sexual minority couples navigating the transition to marriage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that marriage can have positive health benefits for couples, but this specific focus on sexual minority couples is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
Denver, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perry, Nicholas — University of Denver (Colorado Seminary)
- Study coordinator: Perry, Nicholas
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.