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Stage discrepancy in male couples
1School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego.
Journal of Homosexuality
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Relationship stage discrepancies can cause conflict in male couples, often presenting as intimacy, power, or jealousy issues. Understanding these developmental mismatches aids therapists in better assessment and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Relationship Science
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Relationships progress through distinct developmental stages.
- Discrepancies between partners' stages can lead to relationship problems.
- Male couples may experience unique challenges in relationship development.
Observation:
- Stage discrepancies manifest as conflicts between relationship stages (e.g., Stage One limerence vs. Stage Two loss of limerence).
- Earlier emergence of later-stage characteristics can signal insecurity or aging process difficulties.
- Behavioral issues often mask underlying stage discrepancy problems.
Findings:
- Common discrepancies include Stage Three conflicts with Stage One merging or Stage Four dependability.
- Loss of limerence is a frequent cause for relationship termination in male couples.
- Presenting problems like intimacy, power struggles, jealousy, and anger/tenderness expression differences can stem from stage discrepancies.
Implications:
- A stage-based framework offers therapists insight into male couples' presenting complaints.
- Recognizing stage discrepancies improves assessment of couple difficulties.
- This understanding facilitates the development of targeted treatment interventions for relationship issues.