PAQ Types and Power Strategies Used in Intimate Relationships

A study was conducted to examine the kinds of power strategies used by Masculine, Feminine, Androgynous, and Undifferentiated people in their intimate relationships. Heterosexual college students (50 men and 50 women) described the power strategies they used in a current or past romantic/sexual relationship, described other aspects of their relationship and themselves, and completed the Personal Attributes Questionnaire (PAQ). The data were analyzed and the results interpreted in terms of a two dimensional model of power strategies in intimate relationships Androgynous people reported using primarily bilateral strategies, such as persuasion, to influence their intimate partners. In contrast, Undifferentiated people reported using primarily unilateral strategies, such as doing what they wanted, regardless of their partner's compliance. In addition, Feminine people and women were more likely to report using indirect and unilateral strategies such as growing silent or leaving the room, while Masculine people and men were more likely to report using direct and bilateral strategies, such as bargaining.