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Power Distribution and Relationship Quality in Long-Term Heterosexual Couples
Jitka Lindová1,2, Denisa Průšová1,2, Kateřina Klapilová1,2
1Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
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.
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