Differences between Gay and Lesbian Cohabiting Couples

Abstract

Partners from gay and lesbian couples were compared on variables from four domains relevant to close relationships (individual differences, relationship beliefs/attitudes, conflict resolution, and social support); change in relationship quality over time; relationship dissolution; and the correlates of relationship satisfaction and relationship dissolution. Participants completed mailed surveys at least once over 14 assessments, n= 80 gay couples and 53 lesbian couples at the first time assessment with additional couples recruited at later assessments. Although few type-of-couple differences were significant, partners from lesbian couples reported more positive beliefs/attitudes about relationships, as well as more positive relationship satisfaction.