Actor Power and Perceived Partner Power Differentially Relate to Sexual Behavior and Motivations

Assertively pursuing sexual needs versus complying or accommodating to partner’s sexual desires has considerable implications. We apply and integrate general theories of power to identify how people’s own power (actor power) and perceptions of their partner’s power (perceived partner power) differentially relate to sexual behaviors and motivations in woman–man relationships. Across three studies (total N = 995), actors’ power predicted sexual approach–inhibition: actors higher in power reported more comfort initiating and refusing sex, more assertive sexual communication, and less sexual compliance. By contrast, perceived partner power predicted sexual accommodation–neglect: when partners were perceived to be higher in power, actors expressed greater willingness to compromise and sexual communal strength, and greater understanding when partners rejected sex. These distinct effects were not magnified by asymmetries in perceived power, nor did they differ across gender. Facilitating actor and partner power in intimate relationships should reduce rather than amplify harmful sexual behavior.