The nature and correlates of deterrents to leaving a relationship

The nature and correlates of perceived deterrents to leaving a relationship were examined in a sample of both partners (N = 314) from gay male, lesbian, and heterosexual couples. Partners rated the extent to which self-identified features of their relationship were regarded as either attractions to the relationship or deterrents to ending that relationship. The deterrents identified included features that were also identified as attractions as well as unique features that functioned as barriers to leaving. Satisfaction with the relationship tended to be positively correlated with deterrents that were attractions but negatively correlated with deterrents that were barriers. Differences between gay male/lesbian partners and heterosexual partners were found in the kinds of deterrents identified but not in the link between deterrents and relationship satisfaction.