Abstract
Previous research found correlation between satisfaction in romantic relationships and dominance equality or stereotypical gender hierarchy. We tested 53 Czech heterosexual romantic couples living together for at least one year (mean 3), mean age of 25 years (19 to 46).
Because dominance construct contains many various aspects, we controlled four areas of Relationship Dominance i.e. Self-reported dominance and Partner-reported dominance, Pulerwitz's standardized Control and Decision making Scales (own and partners'), qualitatively ascribed situational dominance from experimental testing and also a power source difference in education level.
In a linear regression model we tested how these dominance variables predict relationship quality, measured by Spanier's Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Our results shows that relationship quality in females was strongly predicted by their own control over relationship.
Similarly, the relationship quality in males was also positively associated with their partners' Control scale (Pulerwitz). On the other hand, male relationship quality was negatively associated with their partners' Decision making scale and positively associated with their partners' Self-reported dominance.
Also a higher education level in males (relatively to female) predicted their relationship quality. Our results suggest that the relationship quality is affected by females' higher control but lower decision-making.