Abstract
This study examined relationship styles of self-focused autonomy (SFA), other-focused connection (OFC), and mutuality in adult couples, examining the links among relationship style, power, authenticity, and psychological health. Participants included 251 couples in long-term heterosexual relationships, with each partner completing a separate survey questionnaire (N = 502). Most participants reported having a mutual style, and in half of the couples both partners were mutual. No sex differences in style were found. Results showed that styles were related to power in the relationship: SFA was linked to dominance, OFC to subordinance, and mutuality to equality, although power also depended on partners' styles. OFC participants most often described their style as false-self behavior. Inauthenticity was linked to a lack of power and to poorer psychological outcomes. Mutual participants had the best outcomes, especially those with mutual partners.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
