ABSTRACT
Gender roles and sexual orientation arguably shape an individual’s behavior, especially within the context of a romantic relationship. This chapter presents an overview of research on gender and sexual orientation with respect to relationship development and maintenance. It aims to elaborate theoretical constructs and discusses empirical findings of differences and similarities between gender and sexual orientation, as well as differences and similarities between different- and same-gender couples, where available. The chapter focuses on Rusbult’s model of commitment as this concept can be used to understand intimacy and stability of romantic relationships. It describes the communication skills that can be applied to the various stressors couples may experience, including both stressors that originate outside and inside the relationship. The chapter concludes with a discussion of important directions for future research that is inclusive of a more fluid concept of gender and sexuality, including gender and sexual minority individuals.
