The Nature and Function of Fusion in the Dynamics of Lesbian Relationships

In: Affilia: journal of women and social work, Volume 14, Issue 1, p. 78-97

Abstract

Although much has been written about the problem of fusion in relationships, especially among lesbians, there is little evidence of its prevalence in the nonclinical lesbian community or information about the function it may serve in lesbian relationships. This study examined the frequency of fusion in lesbian and heterosexual women's relationships and the relationship of fusion to other relational variables. The study found that there were no differences between lesbian and heterosexual women's levels of fusion and that fusion was strongly related to both satisfaction and dependence.