Abstract

We evaluated gender differences in differentiation of self, specifically addressing aspects of emotional cutoff (EC) and emotional reactivity (ER), and their association with relational and sexual satisfaction and sexual desire. Midlife U.S. men and women (N = 334 married heterosexual couples; 50% female; 85% Caucasian, mean age 47.4 years) completed online surveys. Men reported higher levels of EC compared to women after accounting for control variables—a medium effect (Cohen's d = .48) which negatively predicted their own relationship and sexual satisfaction as well as partner relationship satisfaction. Women’s EC was also negatively associated with their own relationship satisfaction. Women reported higher levels of ER compared to men after accounting for control variables—a small effect (Cohen's d = .18). No associations with ER and outcome variables were found and no other partner effects were found. For couples in which the woman was higher on ER, the association between women's T1 emotional reactivity and men's T2 sexual desire was positive and significant (B = .31, p < .05). These findings underscore the influence of emotional cutoff on relationship satisfaction and sexual desire and the importance of staying engaged even through relational conflict.

摘要

我们评估了自我分化中的性别差异，特别是在情绪截止（EC）和情绪反应性（ER）方面，以及它们与关系和性满意度和性欲的关联。中年美国男性和女性（N = 334 对已婚异性恋夫妇；50% 女性；85% 白种人，平均年龄 47.4 岁）完成了在线调查。在考虑控制变量后，男性报告的 EC 水平高于女性——中等效应（Cohen's d= .48) 负面预测他们自己的关系和性满意度以及伴侣关系满意度。女性的 EC 也与她们自己的关系满意度呈负相关。在考虑控制变量后，女性报告的 ER 水平高于男性 - 影响很小（Cohen's d = .18）。没有发现与 ER 和结果变量的关联，也没有发现其他伴侣效应。对于女性在 ER 上较高的夫妇，女性 T1 情绪反应与男性 T2 性欲之间的关联是积极且显着的（B = .31，p < .05）。这些发现强调了情感切断对关系满意度和性欲的影响，以及即使在关系冲突中保持参与的重要性。