Masculinity and Conflict Management in Adolescent Romantic Relationships: An Observational Study

• In Event: A Developmental Approach to Adolescent Masculinity: Predictors and Outcomes of Adherence to Masculine Norms

Abstract

Conflicts are a normal but stressful feature of adolescent romantic relationships (Ha et al., 2014; Rogers et al., 2018). As such, the ability to successfully navigate conflict is fundamental for healthy romantic interactions and adjustment. However, gendered societal norms promote attitudes and behaviors that may undermine the successful handling of romantic conflict. One particular gendered norm that may shape adolescents’ experiences of romantic conflict is traditional masculinity. Traditional masculinity encourages a bravado characterized by restricted emotional expression (e.g., stoicism) and antagonistic, even aggressive, responses to interpersonal threats (Levant, 1995). Thus, when romantic conflicts arise, traditional masculinity may restrict coping resources and dispose adolescents toward more aversive patterns of interaction (Franchina et al., 2001). Indeed, in adult samples traditional masculinity is associated with problematic and even violent romantic interactions (Jakupcak et al., 2002). However, no studies of which we are aware have examined these processes among adolescent couples, for whom conflict is both common and challenging. Therefore, we used an observational, dyadic research design to examine how adolescents’ conformity to traditional masculinity was associated with their use of different conflict resolution strategies (coercion, avoidance, negotiation) during an observed conflict discussion task with their romantic partners.
Participants were 91 heterosexual adolescent romantic couples (n = 182 individuals; Mage = 16.7, SD =0.90, range = 13-18; 43% Latina/o, 42% White, 4% African American). Adolescents individually completed an online survey assessing their adherence to traditional masculinity norms, α = .84 (AMIRS; Chu, Porche, & Tolman, 2005). Adolescent couples then participated in a series of laboratory-based tasks, including a discussion task wherein they talked about (a) an area of conflict, and (b) the role of jealousy in their relationship, both for five minutes. The discussion was videotaped and coded for communication dynamics, including conflict management strategies of coercion, avoidance, and negotiation. Inter-rater agreement among five coders was high, with 90% of coders’ scores being within one point of each other.
Three separate Actor-Partner Interdependence Models were estimated with distinguishable dyads on the basis of sex, one for each conflict resolution strategy as the outcome. Boys and girls who reported higher masculinity scores were observed to use more coercive strategies during conflict discussions (actor effects). Boys with highly masculine partners were more likely to use avoidance strategies (a partner effect). Furthermore, more highly masculine boys were less likely to be observed using negotiation strategies (actor effect), and girls with highly masculine partners were also less likely to use negotiation strategies (partner effect). Table 1 displays descriptive results and Figure 1 displays model results.
Consistent with our predictions, the findings indicated that highly masculine individuals appear to struggle more with romantic conflicts, who use more aversive strategies and fewer negotiation strategies for managing conflict. Because adolescent relationships are a context in which many individuals develop the skills for future, more committed relationship forms, the degree to which these gendered norms shape romantic functioning in adolescence might set the stage for more maladaptive relationship interactions long-term. The discussion will particularly focus on dyadic and gendered nuances that can inform theory and practice.

Authors

• Adam Rogers, Brigham Young University
  Presenting Author

• Thao Ha, Arizona State University
  Non-Presenting Author

• Clare Thomas
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jennifer Byon, Brigham Young University
  Non-Presenting Author