A survey of 276 female college students yielded 23 self-identified act
ive lesbians who participated in a study of interpersonal strategies i
n intimate relationships. The lesbian group reported significantly mor
e reliance on sadomasochistic strategies than did the heterosexual fem
ales. Although sadomasochistic strategies can create overt violence, t
hey are viewed as contributing to the stability of ongoing lesbian rel
ationships while reducing potential disruptions through control of riv
alries.