Power, sex, and relationship quality in late adolescent dating relationships

This project explored the associations between gendered power relations, sexual behaviors, and relationship quality in adolescent dating relationships. Drawing adolescent developmental theory, social constructionism, and feminist theories of gendered-power relations, this project examined the relationship between the sexual behaviors of adolescent couples, the power dynamics embedded in their verbal interactions, and their individual perceptions of commitment, support, conflict, and on depth in the couple relationship.

This study analyzes data from 60 couples between 16 and 20 years of age who had been dating for a minimum of four weeks. Couples were videotaped having two 11-minute conversations. A video-recall procedure was used to obtain couple members’ perceptions of power (persuading and conceding behaviors) in their verbal interactions. Additionally, trained coders watched the video-tapes and coded the couples’ persuading and conceding behaviors. Finally, the coders categorized each couple as male-dominant, egalitarian, or female-dominant. In addition to the video recall procedure, the dating partners each completed questionnaires assessing sexual behaviors and relationship qualities including commitment, support, depth, and conflict. Follow-up data were obtained on 45 couples to determine their dating status and the longevity of the relationship.

Results indicated different patterns of associations between sexual behaviors and relationship qualities depending on the power dynamics of the couple. Likewise, in terms of condom-use, different patterns of correlations were found for couples who were consistent condom users, inconsistent condom users, or engaging in abstinence from sexual intercourse. Logistic regression analyses indicated that when couples perceive less conflict in their relationship, they are more likely to use condoms consistently. Additionally, for female partners, more feelings of entrapment in the relationship increase the likelihood that she will use condoms consistently. Multiple regression analyses indicated that, for males, the amount of sexual activity and commitment to the partner predicted relationship longevity. For females, the amount of sexual activity and increased feelings of entrapment predicted relationship longevity. Results are discussed in terms of gendered power relations and the sexual health of adolescents.