Power Distribution and Relationship Quality in Long-Term Heterosexual Couples
Language English Country England, Great Britain Media print-electronic
Document type Journal Article
- MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Heterosexuality MeSH
- Interpersonal Relations * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Power, Psychological * MeSH
- Personal Satisfaction MeSH
- Decision Making MeSH
- Sexual Partners psychology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Male MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Power imbalance in romantic couples is associated with lower relationship quality. Reasons underlying this phenomenon remain, however, unclear. In 192 Czech and Slovak long-term heterosexual couples, we measured relationship quality (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) and assessed its link with perceived relationship power, control, decision making, and personality dominance. Decreased relationship quality was found in power-imbalanced couples, and power distribution affected perceived relationship quality especially in men. In women, lower perceived relationship quality was associated with their partners' control and personality dominance. Results are discussed in the context of interdependence and approach/inhibition theories of power, and some culturally specific explanations are provided.
References provided by Crossref.org
Commitment, Dominance, and Mate Value: Power Bases in Long-Term Heterosexual Couples
