FEMALE SEXUALITY - A COMPARATIVE-STUDY BETWEEN WOMEN IN HOMOSEXUAL AND HETEROSEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS

To explore female sexuality, a student population of women (ages 23-35 years) in intimate relationships were stratified and matched for demographics into two samples, homosexual and heterosexual, each group consisting of 34 women. Significant differences emerged between the two groups on seven of the nine variables. The homosexual women in this study demonstrated greater interpersonal dependency, compatibility, and intimacy in their intimate relationships. The heterosexual women evidenced more positive dispositions toward sexual fantasy, greater sexual assertiveness, stronger sexual desire, and higher frequencies of sexual activity. Despite these findings, there were no significant differences between the two groups in sexual satisfaction.