Women’s Perceptions of Male Partners’ Gender Role Conflict as Predictors of Psychological Well-Being and Relationship Satisfaction

This study evaluated the relationship between women’s perceptions of men’s gender role conflict and women’s relationship satisfaction and well-being. One hundred seventy-five women reported perceptions of their most recent or current male romantic partner’s gender role conflict and rated their own levels of somatization, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship satisfaction. Women who perceived their romantic partners as scoring higher on Success, Power, and Competition and lower on Restrictive Affectionate Behavior Between Men reported greater levels of depression and anxiety. Women who perceived their partners as scoring lower on Success, Power, and Competition and Restrictive Emotionality reported greater relationship satisfaction. Gender role conflict factors did not predict women’s somatization or self-esteem levels. Counseling implications, suggestions for future research, and limitations are discussed.