The Role of Masculinity/Femininity Discrepancy Stress and Ambivalent Sexism on Controlling Behaviors in Young Adult’s Romantic Relationship

The traditional gender roles and the stress experienced by individuals who feel they are not suitable for these roles can be an important variable in romantic relationships. The control behavior of partners may trigger physical, psychological or sexual violence. The current study was conducted to analyze control behaviors toward partner and control behaviors by partners based on ambivalent sexism (hostile and benevolent sexism), male role norms, femininity/masculinity discrepancy and femininity/masculinity discrepancy stress. A sample of 194 Turkish speaking university students (102 female, 92 male) in Eastern Mediterranean University completed the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, Male Role Norm Scale, Gender Role Discrepancy and Discrepancy Stress Scale and The Controlling Behaviors Scale. It was hypothesized that men would report higher controlling behaviors in their romantic relationships as well as higher hostile sexism and greater endorsement of masculinity norms compared to women; whereas women would endorse benevolent sexism as much as men. Additionally, male young adults high in ambivalent sexism and masculinity discrepancy stress were expected to show more controlling behaviors in their romantic relationships. Lastly, it was expected that female young adults high in ambivalent sexism and femininity discrepancy stress would also show more controlling behaviors toward their romantic partners. Finding of the study showed that there were no gender differences on control behaviors toward partner and by partner. Also, it was found that reciprocal control behaviors by partner were very high. Men were found to score high in hostile sexism. Women and men were equal in their benevolent sexism scores. Additionally, men endorsed male masculinity role norms more than women. Correlational analyses showed that women and men who endorse benevolent sexism and femininity/masculinity discrepancy stress tended to control their partner more. The implications of the findings for university counseling centers and training young adults to recognize signs of controlling behaviors as a source of violence in romantic relationships is further discussed. Keywords: Ambivalent Sexism, Male Role Norms, Control Behaviors, Romantic Relationships, Gender Discrepancy Stress