American Couples, 1978-1979

This study explored the complex nature of relationships between partners in married and cohabiting lesbian, gay, and straight couples. In 1978-79, questionnaires were mailed out to volunteer participants who learned about the study through newspaper and television advertisements. Questionnaires were mailed to 7,397 heterosexual couples, 1,875 gay male couples, and 1,723 lesbian couples. Follow-up questionnaires were sent to sub-groups in late 1979. Participants in the study were asked to respond to an extensive questionnaire on topics such as societal and personal expectations about relationships, day-to-day experiences of living together as a couple, lifestyle choices, and political, moral, and religious values and practices. The study also addressed how the issue of gender in the 1970s was reflected in the choices and decisions made by couples. Other questions addressed choices about work, career paths, ambitions, conflict resolution, giving/receiving affection, sexual jealousy, management of money, suspicion, and trust.