Abstract
This research examined sex role identity as a mediator of marital role performance and satisfaction in early marriage. Sex role identity (indexed by the Bem Sex Role Inventory), performance of instrumental and expressive marital roles, and marital satisfaction were assessed among 110 newly married couples. Results confirmed hypothesized congruence of sex role identity and instrumental role performance among men, but not women. Similar effects emerged for perceived segregation of marital roles. Sex role identity predicted marital satisfaction of both spouses; in general, feminine men and masculine women expressed greater satisfaction. Men appeared more satisfied if married to masculine women; wives' satisfaction was, however, independent of their husbands' sex role identities. Marital satisfaction was also positively related to mutuality of expressive behaviour and negatively to perceived segregation of expressive roles. Results were discussed in terms of sex differences in marital values and process. Divergence from previous research findings is attributed to possible developmental trends within marital relationships.
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