Me. Metz et al., DIFFERENCES IN CONFLICT-RESOLUTION STYLES AMONG HETEROSEXUAL, GAY, AND LESBIAN COUPLES, The Journal of sex research, 31(4), 1994, pp. 293-308
We investigated whether different patterns of resolving relationship c
onflict distinguished heterosexual, gay, and lesbian couples. One hund
red eight couples (36 gay male, 36 lesbian, and 36 heterosexual) were
drawn from the community, matched for age and length of relationship,
and compared on the scales of the Styles of Conflict Inventory (SCI).
To distinguish those conflict patterns that were orientation or gender
specific, styles of conflict resolution between the men in same- and
other-sex relationships and between the women in same- and other-sex c
ouples were also compared. Results indicated that most couples across
type of relationship reported a high degree of relationship satisfacti
on and moderately low amounts of conflict. Overall, heterosexual, gay,
and lesbian couples were fundamentally similar, and common stereotype
s of each couple were not verified. Women in lesbian relationships rep
orted significantly greater relationship satisfaction, greater hope fo
r conflict resolution, and several more constructive conflict-resoluti
on styles than either gay male couples or heterosexual couples. Differ
ences appeared to be correlated with social gender role factors and co
mmon differences in relationship lifestyle features, such as the prese
nce of children in the home.