title: Commitment in same-sex relationships: A qualitative analysis of couples' conversations.
abstract: Theoretical constructs and meanings of relational commitment for same-sex couples have typically been generalized from heterosexual relationships. Same-sex couples, however, face a unique set of challenges in constructing committed relationships. To expand our knowledge of the meaning of commitment, same-sex couples described their lived experiences in defining and creating a committed relationship. Transcripts of the conversations of 14 same-sex couples (7 male and 7 female couples) were subjected to analysis using the Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) method (Hill, Thompson, and Williams, 1997). Seven domains emerged, revealing that these same-sex couples constructed the meaning of commitment through comparisons, costs, intra-couple differences, investments, personal and relationship values and ideals, rewards, and sexual boundaries. Unique aspects of commitment are discussed as well as the implications of these findings for future research and service delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, University of Kentucky, 245 Dickey Hall, 40506-0017, USA. rostosk@uky.edu
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scales Rostosky
authors.forename: Ellen D B
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Riggle
authors.forename: Michael G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Dudley
authors.forename: Margaret Laurie
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Comer Wright
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged