Purpose. This study is one of the first to provide empirically derived data regarding relationship satisfaction in lesbian, gay male, and heterosexual cohabiting couples. The major premise of this study is that the complex notion of relationship satisfaction can be examined, as an empirical issue. The aims of this study were two-fold, to identify the correlates of relationship satisfaction among committed cohabiting individuals and identify whether or not relationship satisfaction poses similar esteem benefits.

Method. A total of 320 individuals participated (51 lesbian, 55 gay male, and 54 heterosexual cohabiting couples; 164 males and 156 females). Correlational Analysis was used as the primary method of evaluating the data and, as a means to test causal relationship models, the researcher additionally utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). This multiple research design yields both correlational and descriptive facts. Correlational analysis analyzed multi-way tables containing measures of correspondence between independent and dependent variables. The results explored the structure of categorical variables and pinpointed theoretical interactions for the extracted dimensions, while SEM symbolically expressed latent exogenous constructs and their predictive relationships with manifest variables.

Results. The results indicate no statistical differences between partners on income, education, and outness (i.e. knowledge of one's sexual identity by various networks) having an impact on relationship satisfaction. In this respect, same-sex cohabiting couples may be more similar to heterosexual cohabiting couples than different. Regarding relationship satisfaction, globally, we find that there are often diverse and unique significant interactions for all individual types. Same sex males indicated a varied (positive and negative) significant interaction between relationship satisfaction and self characteristics, relationship characteristics, and fidelity. Opposite sex males appear to have a strong positive relation between relationship satisfaction and relationship characteristics. Same sex females expressed a positive relation between relationship satisfaction and self characteristics. And opposite sex females communicated positive relations with relationship satisfaction on relationship characteristics, children, and fidelity.

Discussion. There is greater similarity than difference between lesbian, gay male and heterosexual relationships. It appears that the qualities that help to create and maintain satisfactory relationships are universally valued. Sex-role identity appears to have an impact on the satisfaction experienced in a committed relationship, although it does not appear to effect overall relationship satisfaction. Thus, what appears to matter most in negotiating satisfaction in relationships are personality style and other characteristics that are not necessarily solely governed by gender or sexual identity. Finally, same sex couples have not been integrated into the broader theoretical understanding of qualities of relationships that produce success or failure. The implications for theory emerging from the current study bring this notion into question and press for future research.