Masculinity, Femininity and Relationship Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Interpersonal Competence

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine more fully the relationship between masculinity, femininity and satisfaction among dating couples. A multivariate causal model was developed and tested to assess Ickes' (1985) conceptual model of gender-role influences on relationship satisfaction. Dating couples ( N = 174) completed the Personal Attributes Questionnaire, the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire and the Relationship Satisfaction Scale. Results indicated that for both males and females, relationship satisfaction was related to their own expressive competence and to perceptions of their partner as feminine. Also, levels of expressive competence mediated the relationship between self-perceptions of femininity and satisfaction. For females, perceptions of partners' femininity were predicted by males' and females' self-perceived femininity. For males, perceptions of partners' femininity were predicted by females' self-perceived femininity and males' self-perceived masculinity. Discussion focuses on the implications of these findings not only for the specific model of gender-role influences in dyadic interactions, but also for more `broadly conceived theories of relationship development.

Instructor Argumentativeness and Socio-Communicative Style and Student Discipline: Using Physical Education Students’ Class as an Illustration

“…Generally, assertive behaviours are considered to be masculine qualities, while responsive behaviours are considered to be feminine qualities [47] [48]. Moreover, assertive individuals are considered extroverted and powerful whereas responsive individuals are considered trustworthy and sociable [49] [50]. Responsive instructors are also viewed as being sensitive and understanding [51], being verbally receptive to students [52] and contributing to perceived students' learning and satisfaction [52] [53] [54].…”

Validity and Reliability of the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire: Empirical Evidence from an Italian Study

“…It is important, for example, to romantic relationships (e.g., Frisbie, Fitzpatrick, Feng, & Crawford, 2000;Lamke, Sollie, Durbin & Fitzpatrick, 1994), professional success (e.g., Riggio & Taylor, 2000), parenting (e.g., BartleHaring & Sabatelli, 1997), popularity and coping in high school and youth (Buhrmester, Furman, Wittenberg, & Reis, 1988;Cairns, Cairns, & Neckerman, 1989), and self-esteem (Buhrmester et al, 1988). Crucially, impaired interpersonal competence associates with vulnerability to stress and negative life events (Cummings et al, 2013;Segrin, 2001), loneliness (DiTommaso, Brannen-McNulty, Ross, & Burgess, 2003), and, perhaps more importantly, psychopathology (Segrin, 1990(Segrin, , 1993Skodol et al, 2005).…”

Ambivalent sexism as a mediator for sex role orientation and gender stereotypes in romantic relationships: A study in Turkey

“…Some researchers use the term of instrumental vs expressive qualities instead of masculine vs feminine traits and therefore in this view, masculine individuals are expected to show instrumental behaviors and feminine individuals are expected to show expressive behaviors (Lamke, Sollie, Durbin, & Fitzpatrick, 1994). However, some research findings about sex roles in Turkey have not confirmed these expectations in terms of instrumental vs. expressive qualities.…”