Abstract:

Power in intimate relationship refers to the ability or capacity of one individual in an intimate relationship to change the partner’s thoughts, feelings, and/or behavior so they align with one’s own desired preferences, along with the ability or capacity to resist influence attempts imposed by the partner. Two of the most recent theoretical advances in this area of research are the dyadic power-social influence model and the relationship stage model of power. Researchers usually measure power in intimate relationship through self-report, observational coding or experimental manipulating. The effects of power in intimate relationship include those on thoughts, feelings, as well as prosocial, aggressive and sexual behaviors. Future research should approach power in intimate relationship from the perspective of social relations and explore a number of issues. These issues include the relation between power in intimate relationship and general power, the impact of intimacy on the effects of power in intimate relationship, as well as the impact of relationship stages on influence tactics in intimate relationships.

Key words: power, intimate relationship, dyadic power-social influence model, relationship stage model of power