Interpersonal problems and relationship quality: An examination of gay and lesbian romantic couples

Abstract

This study explores the interplay between men and women’s interpersonal problems, the interpersonal problems of their romantic partners, and the quality of relationships among same-sex couples. Participants and their partners (72 gay couples and 72 lesbian couples) completed assessments of their interpersonal problems and the overall quality of their romantic relationships. Using Actor-Partner Interdependence Models, it was found that participants who possessed high levels of global interpersonal problems or had romantic partners with high levels of global interpersonal problems experienced relationship discord. This was especially evident for vindictive men and women. Further, women who had romantic partners who possessed interpersonal problems related to being overly domineering were at increased risk for experiencing high levels of relationship discord.