| This study investigated factors which influenced stable, primary love relationships among twelve lesbian couples who had been together at least fifteen years and had not reared children together. Each participant was interviewed separately in a retrospective, semi-structured interview that assessed the impact of selected factors over the course of the relationship. Each factor was examined to determine its influence in the beginning phase of the relationship (the first 5 years), in the middle phase (5-10 years into the relationship), and most recently (beyond 10 years into the relationship). Interpersonal dynamics as well as the influences of culture, religion, values, finances, and social supports were explored to determine their impact on relationship stability.;Each interview was audio-taped and transcribed. Interview data were coded and analyzed independently by two readers for themes relevant to relationship quality and stability. Consensual agreement on the scoring was reached in all cases, and the inter-rater reliability was.84. HyperRESEARCH software was utilized to organize interview data.;Fifteen themes emerged from the data. Four early relationship themes included initial attraction, early adjustments, family reaction, and relationship expectations. Five themes encompassing interpersonal variables included communication, roles, relatedness, satisfaction, and stability. Six external themes which impacted the relationships included social supports, homophobia and societal attitudes, religion and spirituality, finances, race/ethnicity, and models. Additionally, developmental features were identified. The significance of these findings to women's psychological development, interpersonal fit in lesbian partnerships, and patterns of relationship adjustment over time were discussed.;This study found that long-term lesbian couples developed high levels of intimacy, trust, understanding, and communication in their relationships. Mutuality in decision-making and flexibility in roles were the norm. They valued an ethic of fairness and commitment. Many relationships experienced significant conflict in the 5-10 year period, leading to a deeper sense of relatedness, intimacy, and satisfaction after 10 years. Negative influences included standardized religion, physical and mental health problems, limited social supports, and negative cultural attitudes towards gays, lesbians, and bisexuals. |
