Story perspectives

Benevolent Sexism Fuels Conflict in Relationships, Study Reveals

12/14/2025

Summary

Story summary

In a Journal of Applied Social Psychology study led by Carrie Underwood, benevolent sexism and anxious attachment styles influence why people stay in conflict-ridden relationships.
Among women with partners who endorse benevolent sexism, they are more likely to use positive maintenance strategies than to end the relationship.
Those with high relationship-contingent self-esteem tend to engage in maladaptive behaviors.
Limitations include reliance on hypothetical scenarios and a sample of undergraduate students.

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Story summary

In a Journal of Applied Social Psychology study led by Carrie Underwood, benevolent sexism and anxious attachment styles influence why people stay in conflict-ridden relationships.
Among women with partners who endorse benevolent sexism, they are more likely to use positive maintenance strategies than to end the relationship.
Those with high relationship-contingent self-esteem tend to engage in maladaptive behaviors.
Limitations include reliance on hypothetical scenarios and a sample of undergraduate students.