The Volunteer Couple: Sex Differences, Couple Commitment, and Participation in Research on Interpersonal Relationships

Abstract

Effects of sex differences ancd couple commitment on volunteer-ing w ere explored in a two-year study of dating couples. Women were mnore likely than men to express interest in the study, somewhat more likeIv to be successfully recruited by their partners, ancd ultimateIv more likelv to continue their participation. Both meni and women w1'ere mor-e likely to express initial interest if they w1'ere ''going with ' someone, ancd more likely at fir-st to continue their participation if the relationiship remcained intact. Results ar-e discussed in terms of sex roles ancd implications for research on mINale-femCale andlC otherinlter-per-soIIal rielationships.