Record Details
Factors contributing to long term relationship stability among gay male couples
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | Factors contributing to long term relationship stability among gay male couples |
| Names |
Grey, William J.
(creator) |
| Date Issued | 2005 (iso8601) |
| Note | Access restricted to the OSU Community |
| Abstract | Unlike much of the information available on gay male couples (information gathered from distressed couples seen in clinical settings), this study adds to the growing body o f information about non-clinical, gay male couples. The information gathered may prove valuable to therapists working with couples, and to gay male couples negotiating their own relationship. In this qualitative, descriptive study, 15 gay male couples who have lived together in a relationship of more than ten years were asked to what they attributed the longevity of there relationship. Each partner was interviewed at first with his partner for thirty minutes, and then each partner had an individual, thirty-minute interview. Factors most commonly cited included sexual compatibility, commitment, family and community support, common interests and values, compromise, complementary personalities, and conflict resolution. Ten of the couples made a commitment to monogamy during the first year of their relationship. Two couples who were monogamous decided to open their relationships after ten years of monogamy. Three of the couples have agreed to be nonmonogamous since the inception of their relationship. Age does not appear to be a factor when choosing an open or monogamous relationship. Older couples who had been together 20 or more years were no more likely to be monogamous than younger couples who had been together between 10 and 20 years. Fourteen couples stated their commitment was for life. The couples took from several months to several years to establish their commitment. Couples sited several common interests and values that contributed to the longevity o f their relationships: compassion, a shared sense of humor, and generosity. These qualities engendered a feeling of respect and admiration that each man had toward his partner. And each participant agreed with his partner about how open they should be in telling others they were a couple. When disagreements arose, they recognized that they were not going to alter their partners. They chose their battles carefully and learned to accept some differences for the sake of the relationship. Finally, these couples found that friends and family who supported them were invaluable in helping to relieve stress and strain. |
| Genre | Thesis |
| Topic | Gay couples |
| Identifier | http://hdl.handle.net/1957/53426 |
