SEXUAL JEALOUSY IN THE RELATIONSHIPS OF HOMOSEXUAL AND HETEROSEXUAL MEN - 1980 AND 1992

Relationship characteristics, levels of anticipated sexual jealousy, a nd correlates of anticipated sexual jealousy were compared for heteros exual and homosexual men sampled from 1980 and 1992. Homosexual and he terosexual relationships were similar on relationship involvement, but homosexual (vs. heterosexual) respondents indicated lower levels of e xperiencing and expressing sexual jealousy, less exclusive relationshi ps, higher levels of extradyadic sexual relations by their partners, l arger number of relationships, and relationships of shorter duration. Cohort comparisons indicated that both groups of men in 1992 (vs. 1980 ) had higher levels of experiencing and expressing jealousy caused by the partner's extradyadic sexual behavior, more exclusive romantic rel ationships, fewer relationships, and relationships of longer duration. These changes suggest a transition in men's relationships that may be related to the increase in sexually transmitted diseases in general a nd AIDS in particular.