Emotional dependence and conflict resolution in heterosexuals, homosexuals and bisexuals

Emotional dependence is defined as an extreme affective need that a person feels towards their partner. Traditionally, emotional dependence has been studied in heterosexual couples, although in homosexual and bisexual couples it is still an unknown field. The purpose of this study is to learn the differences in emotional dependence and conflict resolution styles in youth and adults based on gender and sexual orientation. Likewise, the predictive role of conflict resolution styles on emotional dependence is analysed. The sample consists of 191 men (24.6%), 585 women (75.4%) aged between 17 and 61 years (M = 22.30, SD = 6.21). Regarding sexual orientation, 93 were homosexual (12%), 595 heterosexual (76.7%) and 88 bisexual (11.3%). The following assessment instruments have been used: Conflict Tactics Scales - CTS-2 (Straus, Hamby, Boney-McCoy and Sugarman, 1996) and the Emotional Dependency Questionnaire - CDE (Lemos and Londoño, 2006). The results show a positive relationship between emotional dependence and violence both exercised and received in relationships. Likewise, it has been observed that men have greater emotional dependence. Finally, the data suggests that homosexuals have greater emotional dependence compared to heterosexuals and bisexuals, as well as indicating that homosexuals and bisexuals obtain higher scores in violence exercised and received than heterosexuals. These results are discussed and the limitations of the study are presented.