The Relationship Between Experiences of Sexism, Ambivalent Sexism, and Relationship Quality in Heterosexual Women

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the relationship between experiences of sexism, hostile and benevolent sexist beliefs, and quality in intimate heterosexual relationship for women. This study includes a sample of 105 women currently involved in a heterosexual relationship. Participants completed four assessments: the Demographic Questionnaire, the Conflict scale of the Quality of Relationships Inventory (QRI), the Schedule of Sexist Events (SSE), and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI). A hierarchical regression was conducted to examine the relationship between experiences of sexism, sexist beliefs, and relationship quality. Results indicate that a relationship exists between experiences of sexism over a woman’s lifetime and the extent of conflict she perceives in her romantic heterosexual relationships. However, no relationship was found between Hostile, Benevolent, or Ambivalent Sexist beliefs and relationship quality. None of the demographic data (age, length of relationship, cohabiting/marital status) were found to interfere with the results of the analysis. Implications for these findings are discussed along with recommendations for the counseling profession.