Gay and Lesbian Couples More Likely to Mutually Influence Each Other's Health Habits

Women bear the brunt of being the health police in straight marriages, but gay and lesbian couples are more likely to mutually influence each other’s health habits - for better or for worse. The findings are reported in the June issue of the journal, Social Science & Medicine.

Researchers Corinne Reczek, a University of Cincinnati assistant professor of sociology, and Debra Umberson, professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin, followed 20 long-term heterosexual marriages as well as 15 long-term gay and 15 long-term lesbian partnerships in the United States. Their findings reflected previous research that in heterosexual marriages, women put more effort into encouraging good health habits for their spouses.