Listening and being listened to as affection exchange in marital discussions about the #MeToo movement

Abstract

Marriage offers a context where individuals may have to discuss difficult topics. Discussing such topics, especially when there is a chance of disagreement, may lead to differences in the ability for spouses to listen to one another. In this study, we surveyed 746 individuals in heterosexual marriages to understand their listening in conversations about the #MeToo movement. Our findings indicate that being a good trait listener does not help one’s situational listening ability. We also see evidence that perceiving disagreement from one’s spouse and perceiving the spouse’s ability to listen are more likely to predict one’s own situational listening. Marital quality significantly moderates these associations as well. We consider these findings in light of affection exchange theory, suggesting listening may be a form of affection exchange in marriage.