Balance of Power

According to USU researcher Renee Galliher, boys and girls in adolescent dating relationships report fairly equal sharing of relationship power, yet they differ in how they interpret power-related interactions. Girls tend to excel in negotiating and problem-solving skills, but boys are more likely to make final decisions. Such power disparities are associated with poorer relationship satisfaction and dating aggression.

For more information, contact Renee V. Galliher, assistant professor, Psychology Department, College of Education and Human Services, Utah State University, 435-797-3391. Dr. Galliher is a participant in the panel discussion, “Dating 101,” on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 2:30 p.m. in the TSC Stevenson Ballroom. The discussion is sponsored by the USU Student Health and Wellness Center and USU’s Counseling Center during “Healthy Relationships and Sexual Responsibility Week” Feb. 13-17 on campus.