DUAL EARNER COUPLES: PREDICTING RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION AMONG WOMEN WITH FEMALE PARTNERS
Open Access
- Author:
- Boita, Jodi A
- Graduate Program:
- Counseling Psychology
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- August 16, 2006
- Committee Members:
- Kathleen Bieschke, Committee Chair/Co-Chair
Constance Matthews, Committee Member
Edgar Paul Yoder, Committee Member
Spencer Niles, Committee Member - Keywords:
- dual earner
couples
same-sex
relationship satisfaction - Abstract:
- This study explored predictors of relationship satisfaction for women in same-sex dual-earner couples. As women take on a variety of roles, such as worker and partner, it is important to explore how factors related to those roles may be influential to satisfaction within other occupied roles. The focus of the current study is the implications of workplace and societal factors on personal relationships of women in same sex relationships who work full-time. Prior evidence suggests that social support and power are important factors with respect to relationship satisfaction for this population. Additionally, the role of internalized heterosexism and workplace factors (identity management in the workplace and workplace policies and practices) in predicting relationship satisfaction were of primary interest in this study. Regression analysis was used to test models predicting relationship satisfaction with a sample of women in same-sex dual-earner couples. Bivariate correlations demonstrated relationships between multiple variables of interest and relationship satisfaction. Results of regression analysis supported prior findings that social support and power within the relationship were significantly related to relationship satisfaction. Additionally, preliminary evidence was found for the importance of partner match on identity management strategy within the workplace with respect to relationship satisfaction. Limitations of this study and implications for research and practice are discussed.