The moderating role of gender and gender role attitudes on the link between spousal support and marital quality

Kristin D. Mickelson, Sharon T. Claffey, Stacey L. Williams

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

68 Scopus citations

Abstract

Researchers who examine the relation of gender role attitudes to division of household labor and marital quality often overlook its relation to emotional spousal support. Moreover, research on gender and marriage often ignores how gender role attitudes may explain the link between spousal support and marital quality. Secondary data analyses on a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults examined the interaction of gender and gender role attitudes on spousal support and marital quality. Emotional spousal support predicted better marital satisfaction and less conflict for traditional women and egalitarian men, whereas both instrumental and emotional spousal support predicted better marital satisfaction for egalitarian women and traditional men. These results suggest that within, as well as between, gender differences are important for understanding the contribution of spousal support to perceived marital quality.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)73-82
Number of pages10
JournalSex Roles
Volume55
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Genderroleattitudes
  • Marriage
  • Spousal support

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gender Studies
  • Social Psychology
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology

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