Individual differences in perceptions of fault in intimate relationships

The present study examined the extent to which gender and control in intimate relationships influenced perceptions of fault in conflict situations. College students (89 males and 90 females) who were currently involved in dating relationships completed a measure that assessed perceived control over their own romantic relationships. Subjects then read scenarios that depicted a dating couple experiencing a specific conflict designed so that both the male and female targets were at fault for the disagreement. Males blamed the female target more than females did for the conflicts, whereas females assigned more blame than males to the male target. High control persons also made more extreme judgements of fault than low control persons.