Role of gender in behavioral interdependence and relationship outcomes for premarital couples

One aspect of gender identity, preferences for gender-related activities, was examined using gender and interdependence theories for a sample of 59, predominately Caucasian, premarital couples. Respondents completed interviews in which they reported on their preferences for activities, relationship satisfaction, other relationship dimensions, and actual performance of the activities. Groups of couples were created by using median splits to reflect the similarity and traditionally of coupled partners' preferences for gender-related activities. Two main findings were apparent: (a) couples in which both partners liked the activities and couples in which both partners held traditional preferences had positive relationship outcomes, and (b) couples in which both partners disliked the activities had the least favorable outcomes.