Gender Differences in Competition and Dominance During Married-Couples Group Therapy

Abstract

Previous research on sanze-sex interaction has documented competitive patterns for males, but not for females. By contrast, some studies characterize cross-sex interaction as competitive; other studies, as noncotnpetitive. To extend research on the processes of competition and dominance in same- and cross-sex interaction, the present study examines verbal interaction sequences that occurred during two brief psychotherapy groups conducted for the same set oj five married couples. All interaction sequences have been classified according to the Ericson-Rogers Relational Coding System, and patterns analyzed by means of a log-linear statistical procedure. For same-sex interaction, findings document more indiscriminant competition between males than between females. These results extend previous findings. For cross-sex interaction, a complex pattern of competition and dominance is observed. Although females compete with males under certain conditions, males do not compete with females. However, males apparently females freely, thus suggesting that males assume a dominant position. Females tend to interrupt back, an indication that male dominance is not acceptable. However, females are also more submissive toward husbands than toward other males. The question remains whether these patterns are applicable to a more general population.