Impact of Interpersonal Traits and Gender-Role Compliance on Interpersonal Resource Exchange among Dating and Engaged/Married Couples

Abstract

The following hypotheses regarding interpersonal resource exchange among (a) dating couples ( n = 206 couples) and (b) engaged/married couples ( n = 103 couples) were tested: (1) levels of affectionate behavior are reciprocated (i.e. paths are bidirectional) among couples; (2) levels of respectful behavior are reciprocated among couples; (3) individuals' reported affectionate and respectful behaviors are correlated positively; (4) individuals' affection-giving traits are better as positive predictors of individuals' affectionate behavior among engaged/married couples than among dating couples; (5) individuals' respect-giving traits are better as positive predictors of individuals' respectful behavior among engaged/married couples than among dating couples; (6) individuals' gender-role compliance is better as a negative predictor of individuals' affectionate behavior among dating couples than among engaged/married couples; and (7) individuals' gender-role compliance is better as a negative predictor of individuals' respectful behavior among dating couples than among engaged/married couples. Individuals' interpersonal traits and gender-role compliance were self-reported, whereas individuals' interpersonal behaviors were reported by their partners. Results supported Hypotheses 1-3 (derived from resource exchange theory proposed by Foa & Foa, 1974) but not Hypotheses 4-7 (derived from the model of levels of relational involvement proposed by Levinger & Snoek, 1972). Unexpectedly, affection-giving traits generally were positive predictors of affectionate and respectful behavior, whereas respect-giving traits generally did not predict affectionate or respectful behavior. Implications for the study of interpersonal traits, gender roles and behavioral reciprocity in heterosexual relationships are discussed.

Keywords

gender roles interpersonal traits resource ex-change

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