Psychology

The role of power in intimate relationships

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The current study examined relationship power in the context of the investment model of relationship commitment (Rusbult, 1980). It was hypothesized that satisfaction with, quality of alternatives to, and investment in the relationship would mediate the relationship between power and commitment in 120 dating couples. Data were analyzed using mediation within the actor-partner interdependence model. Participants who possessed a higher level of power reported lower satisfaction and commitment and higher quality of alternatives. Furthermore, the relationship between female's power and male's commitment was mediated by male's satisfaction and the relationship between male's power and female's commitment was mediated by male's quality of alternatives. Findings are discussed within the context of the field's expanding conceptualization of power within intimate relationships. © The Author(s) 2012.

Publication Title

Journal of Social and Personal Relationships

Publication Date

2013

Volume

30

Issue

1

First Page

95

Last Page

114

ISSN

0265-955

DOI

10.1177/0265407512452990

Keywords

actor-partner interdependence model, intimate relationships, investment model, mediation, power, relationship commitment, relationship satisfaction

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