The Role of Relationship Power in Couple Decisions about Contraception

William R. Grady, Battelle- Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation
Daniel H. Klepinger, Battelle- Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation
John O.G. Billy, Battelle- Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation
Lisa Cubbins, Battelle- Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation

In this study of couple decisions about contraception we investigate how each partner’s level of power in the relationship affects his/her influence over the couple’s contraceptive choices by affecting the relative weight that method-related ratings, desires, and perceptions have in the decision-making process. We also examine the influence on this process of other partner and relationship characteristics. The data supporting this analysis are from a new, in-person survey of approximately 1,000 married, cohabiting couples and dating couples in which the female partner is aged 20-35, neither partner is sterile, and the couple is not currently pregnant or attempting to conceive. This survey obtained separate, parallel reports from each partner on the power relations, birth desires, and method-related expectancies, values, perceptions, preferences, and behaviors of men and women making contraceptive choices within the context of an intimate heterosexual relationship.