Walczynski, Pamela Theresa. 「Power, Personality, and Conflictual Interaction: an Exploration of Demand/Withdraw Interaction in Same-sex and Cross-sex Couples.」 Ph. D diss., University of California, Los Angeles, 1997.

Abstract:
Twenty married, 20 unmarried heterosexual, 20 lesbian, and 15 gay male couples participated in this study investigating the demand/withdraw interaction pattern. In this pattern, one partner (the demander) attempts to engage in discussions of relationship issues and pressures, nags, demands, or criticizes the other, while the partner (the withdrawer) attempts to avoid such discussions through silence, defensiveness, or withdrawal. Couple members completed a series of questionnaires measuring gender-linked personality traits and power-linked variables. Couples also engaged in two videotaped problem-solving discussions, one in which each partner had an investment in seeking change in the other. Self-report and observer ratings about demand/withdraw behavior during these discussions were obtained. Results are presented in two papers. Paper 1 attempts to replicate previous findings about demand/withdraw from research with married couples to couples in nonmarital relationships. Results indicate that demand/withdraw interaction is not specific to male-female interactions--couples in same-sex relationships demonstrated as much demand/withdraw communication as did cross-sex couples, and the amount of demand/withdraw interaction in same-sex couples was significantly associated with relationship dissatisfaction as has been demonstrated in previous research. Results of Paper 1 also revealed that gender differences in demand/withdraw behavior are apparent in the relationships of unmarried heterosexual couples as has been previously found in married couples. In Paper 2, demand/withdraw behavior is examined during problem-solving interactions with particular emphasis on how behavior is affected by one's investment in seeking change. Results revealed that, although gender differences in conflict behavior existed, factors distinct from biological sex were predictive of demand/withdraw roles. That is, partners who possessed more feminine traits and more power than their counterparts, measured in terms of say and influence over decision making in the relationship, were more likely to be demanding while their partners were withdrawing across conflict discussions. However, this effect was modified by the structure of conflict, such that greater polarization in demand/withdraw roles occurred during discussion of issues raised by the demander than during discussions of issues raised by the withdrawer. Findings concerning the linkage of power to demand/withdraw roles are contrary to present theories, and possible reasons for these findings are discussed.