STRATEGIC SADOMASOCHISM IN LESBIAN RELATIONSHIPS

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.