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from Clinical/Therapeutic Issues
Relationship Quality the Same
for Gays and Straights?
A new study described in the the American Psychologica Association's
Monitor in Psychology has found that relationship quality is about the same for gay and lesbian couples as it is for
straight couples. But the new study, which followed 21 gay and 21 lesbian couples, did not explain how
that finding could be reconciled with the fact that gay male relationships tend to be sexually open.
In some respects, the authors say, gay and lesbian couples actually have an advantage over
straight couples: they are more "upbeat in the face of conflict." The researchers attributed the finding
of superior conflict resolution skills to the "fairness and power-sharing" inherent in a couple of
the same sex.
The authors did say, however, that "gay couples aren't as adept in repairing relationships
after negativity during a fight."
("Researchers Develop Workshops Tailored to Gay and Lesbian Couples,"
Monitor in Psychology, April 2001, p. 20)
Updated: 8 February 2008
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