Conflict resolution in gay male relationships

A study was conducted to investigate the nature and dynamics of gay male intimate abuse in a self-selected sample of 52 couples. Three empirical questions were posed: 1) What is the frequency of physical abuse in this sample as compared to heterosexual norms? 2) Does psychological abuse vary as a function of relationship power style? 3) What is the relationship between the Abusive Personality Structure ( Dutton, 1994) and psychological abuse? Physical abuse rates in the gay sample were found to be higher than heterosexual norms, a result discussed primarily in terms of differential access gay men have to social support. Psychological abuse was significantly higher in relationships characterized by divided power, a finding interpreted in terms of the ambiguity gay men face in defining relationship roles. It is suggested that good verbal/negotiating skills are especially necessary in these relationships for an adequate expression of interpersonal power needs. Finally, a relationship between psychological abuse and the Abusive Personality Structure was clearly observed in this sample, consistent with Dutton and Starzomski's (1993) work with both heterosexual wife batterers and heterosexual men not formally identified as assaultive (Dutton, 1994). General conclusions are drawn regarding the transcendence of intimate abuse across lines of sexual orientation, and limitations are discussed.Arts, Faculty ofPsychology, Department ofGraduat