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Actor Power and Perceived Partner Power Differentially Relate to Sexual Behavior and Motivations
Nickola C Overall1, Jessica A Maxwell2, Amy Muise3
1The University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|November 27, 2025
Summary
In relationships, an individual's own power influences sexual assertiveness, while perceiving a partner as powerful leads to accommodation. Balancing power dynamics can reduce harmful sexual behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
- Behavioral Economics
Background:
- Sexual decision-making is influenced by power dynamics within relationships.
- Understanding how individual power and perceived partner power affect sexual behavior is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct roles of actor power and perceived partner power on sexual behaviors and motivations.
- To examine these dynamics in heterosexual relationships.
Main Methods:
- Three studies involving 995 participants were conducted.
- General theories of power were applied and integrated.
- Actor power and perceived partner power were measured and related to sexual behaviors.
Main Results:
- Higher actor power correlated with increased comfort initiating/refusing sex, assertive communication, and less compliance.
- Higher perceived partner power correlated with greater willingness to compromise, sexual communal strength, and understanding of sexual rejection.
- These effects were consistent across genders and power asymmetries.
Conclusions:
- Actor power promotes sexual approach and assertiveness, while perceived partner power encourages accommodation and neglect.
- Facilitating equitable power in relationships may reduce harmful sexual behaviors.
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