Accuracy and bias in perceptions of conflict style among same-sex and heterosexual couples

- Perceptions of partner conflict style may shape conflict interactions and expectancies.
- The validity of conflict perceptions may vary across gender and sexual orientation.
- The present study examined accuracy and bias in perceptions of conflict style.
- A large sample of heterosexual, same-sex female and male dyads (N = 421) was analyzed.
- Gender and sexual orientation differences in accuracy and bias were found.

Intimates form stable impressions of their romantic partner's conflict style, which may influence interactions during conflicts and shape expectancies regarding future disagreements. Despite a large body of work comparing relationship outcomes among heterosexual and same-sex couples, research has yet to examine how the validity of these perceptions vary as a function of gender and sexual orientation. The present study examines perceptual accuracy and bias in perceptions of conflict style among same-sex female (Ndyads = 215), same-sex male (Ndyads = 113), and heterosexual (Ndyads = 93) couples. Although members of same-sex and heterosexual couples exhibited some similarity in accuracy and bias in perceptions, a number of compelling differences suggest that the gender and the sexual orientation of a couple shape perceptions of partner conflict style.