Prior research indicated that lack of power leads to emotional suppression and low emotional expression during conflicts among strangers. However, little is known about how power affects emotional inhibition in close relationships, where partners are highly interdependent, and achieving one’s goals greatly depends on their partner’s cooperation. In three studies among romantic couples (total N = 994), we examined whether (a) power is related to emotional inhibition during conflicts, (b) perceived partner responsiveness moderates this effect and, (c) which conflict-resolution responses are subsequently enacted. Findings consistently showed that powerless individuals were more likely to inhibit their emotions and consequently to use passive responses during conflicts. However, this only occurred when they perceived lack of responsiveness from their partner. If the partner was perceived as responsive (i.e., showed care, validation, and understanding), power was not related to emotional inhibition and passive resolutions. The importance of partner’s responses in relation to power asymmetry is discussed.

先前的研究表明，在陌生人之间的冲突中，缺乏力量会导致情绪压抑和情绪低落。然而，对于权力如何影响亲密关系中的情感抑制却知之甚少，在这种关系中，伴侣高度相互依存，而实现一个人的目标在很大程度上取决于伴侣的合作。在浪漫情侣的三项研究中（总N（= 994），我们检查了（a）权力是否与冲突期间的情绪抑制有关；（b）感知到的伴侣反应会减轻这种影响；以及（c）随后制定了哪些冲突解决方案。研究结果一致表明，无能为力的人更有可能抑制自己的情绪，因此在冲突期间会采取被动反应。但是，只有当他们认为自己的伴侣缺乏响应能力时，才会发生这种情况。如果对方被认为是有反应的（即表现出照顾，确认和理解），那么力量与情绪抑制和消极解决方法无关。讨论了合作伙伴对权力不对称的回应的重要性。