Influence Strategies in Marriage: Self and Partner Links between Equity, Strategy Use, and Marital Satisfaction and Commitment

Abstract

This study explored connections among perceived equity-of-influence levels, use of influence strategies, and satisfaction and commitment in marriage. Data collected from 107 married couples revealed that perceptions of equity of influence were associated with use of influence strategies, as well as perceptions of marital satisfaction and commitment. Further, wives' reported use of indirect and unilateral strategies played a more prominent role in structural models, whereas husbands' reported use of direct and bilateral strategies played a more prominent role. Also, wives' use of both indirect and unilateral strategies was associated with their husbands' commitment, whereas husbands' use of direct and bilateral strategies was associated with their wives' commitment. Results are discussed in terms of equity, power differentials, and interdependence in marriage.