A study of perceptions of rights and needs in interpersonal conflicts in homosexual relationships

A pilot study was conducted to examine the issues of rights and needs in the interpersonal conflicts of couples of the same biological sexual orientation. The sample consisted of 91 men and 34 women who described conflict incidents that occurred in their relationships. The right most frequently perceived as an issue was participation in decision making. The need most frequently perceived as an issue was power. Issues were perceived more frequently as psychological needs rather than democratic rights. Almost no conflicts were resolved through negotiation.