Decision‐Making Power, Autonomy, and Communication in Remarried Spouses Compared With First‐Married Spouses*

The current study evaluated differences between remarried and first‐married individuals in communication and standards for autonomy and decision‐making power using self‐report data from 111 remarried and 111 matched first‐married spouses. Remarried spouses endorsed more autonomous standards in childrearing and finances. Also, remarried women endorsed greater autonomy regarding friendships and family. These standards for greater autonomy were not related to marital distress. No differences were found in standards for marital decision‐making power. Remarried spouses did not report more avoidance in communication about marital problems, and avoidance of problem discussion was related to marital distress for both groups.