Beyond the dominant narrative: Intimacy and conflict in lesbian relationships

Abstract

Abstract There has been limited attention in the mediation literature to intimacy and conflict in lesbian relationships. A review of the literature revealed three trends: (1) little reference to historical and contemporary research and theory about lesbians and lesbian relationships; (2) a tendency to package comments and conclusions about lesbians and gay men as if these groups are the same; and (3) a bias toward heterosexual models of commitment, marriage, and conflict resolution within relationships. In this article, we review current research about the development and dissolution of lesbian relationships, with particular attention to gender, relational competencies, and sociopolitical influences that may have implications for how lesbian couples cope with conflict. When relevant, comparisons are made to research on heterosexual relationships. Recommendations for divorce mediators and family mediators are offered.