1 Psychology 320: Psychology of Gender and Sex Differences Lecture 40

2 Office Hour Invitations January 27 th, 11:30-12:30 Kenny

3 Reminder Jackson Katz (from the film “Tough Guise”) is coming to UBC! When: Monday, January 23, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Where: Room 100 of Neville Scarf (2125 Main Mall). Cost: Free. More information:

4 2. What methods do researchers use to study human sexuality? Romantic Relationships and Sexuality 1. What research findings have emerged regarding romantic relationships among individuals who identify as lesbian or gay?

5 By the end of today’s class, you should be able to: 2. describe the stages of the sexual response cycle. 1. compare and contrast the characteristics of romantic relationships among individuals who identify as heterosexual and individuals who identify as lesbian or gay.

6 Recently, there has been increased interest in same- sex relationships. This interest has been fueled by lesbian and gay advocates and debates regarding same-sex marriage. What research findings have emerged regarding romantic relationships among individuals who identify as lesbian or gay? Relatively little research has examined same-sex romantic relationships.

7 With respect to the topics that we have considered, this research has shown:

8 (a)Characteristics desired in a mate:  Lesbians and gay men value “internal” attributes (e.g., kind) more than “external” attributes (e.g., physically attractive; Peplau et al., 1997).

9  With respect to external attributes (Gonzales & Meyers, 1993; Bailey et al., 1994): Gay and heterosexual men are more likely than lesbians and heterosexuals women to emphasize physical appearance. Lesbians are less likely than heterosexual women to emphasize resource potential.

10  Lesbians and gay men are attracted to individuals who possess attributes similar to their own. However, because individuals with same-sex preferences have a smaller “pool” of potential mates, finding a mate with similar attributes presents a greater challenge (Helgeson, 2009).

11 (b) Experience of love:  Lesbian couples report higher levels of intimacy than gay male couples and heterosexual couples. Gay and lesbian couples report higher levels of autonomy than heterosexual couples (Kurdek, 1998).

12 (c) Relationship maintenance strategies:  Same-sex couples receive less familial support with respect to their romantic relationships and, thus, are less likely than heterosexual couples to utilize familial networks to maintain relationships (Kurdek, 1998).  Same-sex couples (particularly lesbians) engage in more equitable division of tasks than heterosexual couples (Hereck, 2006; Kurdek, 2003).

13 (d) Factors that determine relationship satisfaction:  Same-sex couples report similar levels of relationship satisfaction as heterosexual couples (Herek, 2006; Peplau & Spalding, 2000).  The factors associated with relationship satisfaction among heterosexuals are also associated with relationship satisfaction among lesbians and gay men (e.g., gender roles, equity, female vs. female characteristics/male vs. male characteristics, relationship conflict; Herek, 2006; Kurdek, 2006; Kurdek & Scmitt, 1986).

14  Same-sex couples display more constructive conflict management than heterosexual couples (e.g., use of a positive tone, demonstration of affection and humour, few displays of dominance; Gottman et al., 2003).  Gay men and lesbians are less likely than heterosexuals to exhibit the demand/withdraw pattern (Kurdek, 2004).

15 What methods do researchers use to study human sexuality? Observational methods are used infrequently in the study of human sexuality due to the sensitivity of the subject matter.

16 Notable exception: Masters and Johnson (1966)  Dispelled the “myth of the vaginal orgasm”; a continued subject of debate.  Identified four phases of the sexual response in humans: Excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution.  Demonstrated the occurrence of multiple orgasms in females.

17 2. What methods do researchers use to study human sexuality? Romantic Relationships and Sexuality 1. What research findings have emerged regarding romantic relationships among individuals who identify as lesbian or gay?