Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

A Cre-Lox P Recombination Approach for the Detection of Cell Fusion In Vivo
Published on: January 4, 2012
What's the confusion about fusion?--differentiating positive and negative closeness in lesbian relationships
Salma Ackbar1, Charlene Y Senn
1Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario. ackbar@uwindsor.ca
Abstract:
This study differentiated between closeness and fusion in lesbian relationships, and examined whether age, adult attachment style, social support, outness, and relationship satisfaction were associated with these variables. Participants consisted of 77 women in long-term, lesbian relationships. Overall, women who reported showing greater closeness toward their partners were more satisfied in their relationships. Age and attachment style were better predictors of closeness and fusion than were social support and outness. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed. Findings highlight the need for therapists to distinguish between positive and negative types of closeness in lesbian relationships, and avoid pathologizing high levels of closeness in lesbian relationships simply because they may deviate from a heterosexual norm.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship Formation
Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love
Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity
Understanding Interpersonal Attraction
Factors Influencing Attraction III: Similarity
Relationship Growth

