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Discrepant Alcohol Use, Intimate Partner Violence, and Relationship Adjustment among Lesbian Women and their Same-Sex Intimate Partners

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Abstract

This study examined the association between relationship adjustment and discrepant alcohol use among lesbian women and their same-sex intimate partners after controlling for verbal and physical aggression. Lesbian women (N = 819) who were members of online marketing research panels completed an online survey in which they reported both their own and same-sex intimate partner’s alcohol use, their relationship adjustment, and their own and their partner’s physical aggression and psychological aggression (i.e., verbal aggression and dominance/isolation). Partners’ alcohol use was moderately correlated. Discrepancy in alcohol use was associated with poorer relationship adjustment after controlling for psychological aggression and physical aggression. Results are discussed in terms of the similarity and differences with previous literature primarily focused on heterosexual couples.

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  1. Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23259-0267, USA

    Michelle L. Kelley, Robin J. Lewis & Tyler B. Mason

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  1. Michelle L. Kelley
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  2. Robin J. Lewis
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  3. Tyler B. Mason
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Correspondence to Michelle L. Kelley.

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Kelley, M.L., Lewis, R.J. & Mason, T.B. Discrepant Alcohol Use, Intimate Partner Violence, and Relationship Adjustment among Lesbian Women and their Same-Sex Intimate Partners. J Fam Viol 30, 977–986 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-015-9743-5

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