Controlling for age and relationship duration, gay/bisexual men reported higher levels of emotional intimacy than heterosexual men.
Heterosexual participants (n = 860 MĪge = 36.4, SD = 9.09) were recruited in 2011 and gay/bisexual participants (n = 250 MĪge = 29.4, SD = 7.13) in 2013. Using the minority stress framework (Meyer, 2003) to address this gap in knowledge, the present study comparatively explored levels and predictors/correlates of emotional intimacy, and its association with sexual satisfaction among coupled heterosexual and gay/bisexual men sampled online in a predominantly homonegative country (Croatia). Although the experience of intimacy and its effects on sex life may be gender and sexual orientation-specific, the role of intimacy in personal and sexual relationships has been studied mostly among heterosexual individuals and couples. Emotional intimacy cuts across contexts as diverse as sexual motivation and satisfaction, psychological and physical health, and relational well-being.
