Against all odds: The dating experiences of adolescent lesbian and bisexual women

Research with gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents has tended to focus on their psychosocial risk factors, with little attention paid to their dating experiences. Unique in its focus on younger, high school-age women, the present study examined dating relationships among 112 lesbian and bisexual women, ages 13 to 18. Characteristics of the young women's dating relationships were explored, as well as dating stress, the presence of verbal and physical abuse in their dating relationships, and psychosocial factors associated with dating. Findings indicate that, despite potential barriers, adolescent lesbian and bisexual women actively date. Relationship concerns requiring supportive interventions by youth-serving professionals are identified and study limitations are discussed.