Thirty-nine lesbian and 39 heterosexual feminist women were compared o
n (1) gender role orientation; (2) intra- and interrole conflict in da
ughter, intimate partner, and work roles; and (3) satisfaction with in
terpersonal relationships with parents, intimate partners, and co-work
ers/employers. The majority were Caucasian and either graduate student
s or professionals. Contrary to theoretical assumptions, lesbians and
heterosexual women did not differ in gender role orientation. Heterose
xual women reported more interrole conflict between daughter and work
roles; whereas lesbians reported more interrole conflict between daugh
ter and intimate partner roles, primarily as a result of perceived dis
approval of their intimate relationships by others. Lesbians additiona
lly reported less satisfaction with their relationships with co-worker
s and employers- Role conflict/satisfaction was not a function of disc
losure vs. nondisclosure of sexual orientation for the lesbian women.