Power Dynamics and Relationship Satisfaction: Interactions Between Gender and Sexual Orientation

Power— defined as material or social resources one brings into a relationship—can influence the experiences of each partner and has implications for relationship satisfaction. Queer individuals have distinct sexual and gender identities that may influence power dynamics within their relationships, yet Queer relationships have rarely been investigated. We used cross-sectional data to examine how sexual orientation and gender interact to predict experiences of power in Queer relationships, and how power experience affects relationship satisfaction. Participants (N = 196) were recruited online via Prolific. Analyses suggested that lesbians experience the most egalitarian power dynamics, followed by heterosexuals, with bisexual/pansexuals and gay men experiencing the least egalitarian power dynamics. Relationship satisfaction followed a similar trend across groups, consistent with previous work. However, no interaction was found between participant gender and sexual orientation in predicting power dynamics. Exploratory analyses revealed a possible significant association of satisfaction with power in one’s relationship and relationship satisfaction, beyond effects of overall power dynamics. We benefited from a diverse sample; however, our analyses were underpowered. Future studies should continue to examine power dynamics in Queer relationships, and the role of satisfaction with couple power differentials and gender roles in mediating these associations.