Social support and coping style of Tongqi in China: A cross-sectional study

Lin Li; Xinhong Zhu; Chongming Yang; Ting Hu; Xueyang Zhao; Chaoyang Li; Man Wu; Guiyuan Qiao; Fen Yang

doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2020.12.002

Social support and coping style of Tongqi in China: A cross-sectional study

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2021 Jun;35(3):317-322. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2020.12.002. Epub 2020 Dec 19.

Authors

Lin Li¹, Xinhong Zhu¹, Chongming Yang², Ting Hu¹, Xueyang Zhao¹, Chaoyang Li¹, Man Wu¹, Guiyuan Qiao¹, Fen Yang³

Affiliations

¹ College of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.
² College of Family and Social Academy, Brigham Young University, Provo, USA.
³ College of Nursing, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China. Electronic address: fen-yang@hbtcm.edu.cn.

PMID: 33966799
DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2020.12.002

Abstract

Tongqi (gays' wives) in China were under tremendous distress and social pressure due to their special identities and were not clearly known. A sample of 179 Chinese Tongqi were recruited through online social media groups in 2017-2018. Their hidden lives, social support, and coping styles were analyzed. The results showed that the majority of Tongqi concealed their identities, had negative responses to cope with their tremendous distress, and did not have sufficient social support. Their social support was mainly from family members. Hidden identities obstructed Tongqi's access to extrafamilial social support that could alleviate their distress. Tongqi need more social support and protection.

Keywords: Coping style; Social support; Tongqi.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Psychological*
China
Cross-Sectional Studies
Humans
Male
Social Support*
Surveys and Questionnaires