Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2017 Demographic Variables as Moderators Between Benevolent Sexism and Relationship Satisfaction Dawna Jeanette Campbell Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Social Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Dawna Campbell has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Silvia Bigatti, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Hedy Dexter, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Magy Martin, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2017 Abstract Demographic Variables as Moderators Between Relationship Satisfaction and Benevolent Sexism by Dawna Campbell MA, Sam Houston State University, 2005 BA, Sam Houston State University, 1992 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University August 2017 Abstract Romantic relationship satisfaction relates to better overall health, and identifying factors that affect relationship satisfaction could lead to better understanding of romantic relationships. This study examined the correlation between benevolent sexism, a subtle form of sexism resembling chivalry, and relationship satisfaction; gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, education, and length of time were also considered as moderators. The ambivalent sexism theory, which posits that sexism is ambivalent and ranges from hostile to benevolent sexism, was the theoretical framework guiding this study. Previous research indicated benevolent sexism might predict relationship satisfaction. However, there remained a gap in the literature; the demographic variables above had not been considered as moderators in those analyses. Thus, the purpose of this quantitative non- experimental study, using data collected from a U.S. sample of adults who had been in romantic relationships for at least 1 year, was to determine if such links existed. Correlation and regression analyses revealed that benevolent sexism, measured by the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, did not predict relationship satisfaction, measured by the Relationship Assessment Scale, and none of the demographic variables served as moderators. Results were trending toward significance though, suggesting that benevolent sexism might influence women’s relationship satisfaction. Further research using longitudinal, mixed-method studies of dyads is recommended to gain a clearer understanding of this phenomenon. Findings would make important contributions to existing literature and enhance social change by providing professionals and individuals with an awareness of how benevolent sexist attitudes may affect relationship satisfaction. Demographic Variables as Moderators Between Relationship Satisfaction and Benevolent Sexism by Dawna Campbell MA, Sam Houston State University, 2005 BA, Sam Houston State University, 1992 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University August 2017 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my children: Anjela, Kyle, and Chris and my sister Elana, who have been understanding and supportive of me throughout this lengthy process. There have been many times when I was not able to talk on the phone or participate in family activities, and they all were tolerant and patient with me. I would also like to dedicate this dissertation to my sweet grandchildren: Taylor, Braydon, Brendon, and John Louis, who also were considerate of the times when “Grandmommy” was busy working on schoolwork. They have all been a great source of inspiration to me in completing this important part of my doctoral degree. Acknowledgments My sincere appreciation goes to my chairperson, Dr. Silvia Bigatti for her guidance and support of me throughout this entire process. She has always been willing to communicate with me and answer my questions with patience and wisdom. I am also deeply grateful for the advice and direction provided to me by my committee member, Dr. Hedy Dexter. She has shown great patience with me throughout the revision process and helped me to develop writing skills appropriate for a dissertation. I am also thankful for the insight that Dr. Magy Martin, the university reviewer shared with me during this process, as well as her attention to detail that helped me to refine my drafts. I would also like to express my appreciation for my coworkers, classmates, and colleagues who have been a continuous source of support for me during this process. They have encouraged me and helped me to problem solve along the way when I encountered difficulties. My gratitude also goes to Dr. Peter Glick, Dr. Susan Fiske, and Dr. Susan Hendrick who granted me permission to use their assessment instruments in this study. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ................................................................................... 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1 Background ................................................................................................................... 2 Problem Statement ........................................................................................................ 7 Purpose of the Study ..................................................................................................... 7 Research Questions and Hypotheses ............................................................................ 8 Ambivalent Sexism Theory .......................................................................................... 9 Nature of the Study ..................................................................................................... 11 Definitions ................................................................................................................... 12 Assumptions ................................................................................................................ 13 Scope and Delimitations ............................................................................................. 14 Limitations .................................................................................................................. 15 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................ 15 Summary ..................................................................................................................... 17 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................ 19 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 19 Literature Search Strategy ........................................................................................... 21 Ambivalent Sexism Theory ........................................................................................ 21 Prevalence of Ambivalent Sexism ........................................................................ 25 Benevolent Sexism ................................................................................................ 26 Relationship Satisfaction ............................................................................................ 32 i Benevolent Sexism and Relationship Satisfaction ...................................................... 33 Potential Moderators of the Relationship between Benevolent Sexism and Relationship Satisfaction .......................................................................... 38 Summary and Conclusion ........................................................................................... 46 Chapter 3: Research Method ............................................................................................. 48 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 48 Research Design and Rationale .................................................................................. 48 Methodology ............................................................................................................... 50 Population ............................................................................................................. 50 Procedures ................................................................................................................... 50 Sampling Procedures ............................................................................................ 50 Data Collection ..................................................................................................... 51 Instrumentation ....................................................................................................