Are Feminist Heterosexual Couples Happier? The Mediating Role of Partner Choice.

Feminism is considered an obstacle to heterosexual relationships, yet, this issue has rarely been in- vestigated. Using a sample of 419 female university students (M = 20.7y, SD = 2.22), we tested the following hypotheses: single women are more likely to be feminist than women in a heterosexual rela- tionship; feminists, when in a couple, are more likely to have a relationship with a pro-feminist man; this is associated with a better relationship. Results confirm our hypotheses: single women are more likely to be feminist than women involved in a couple. When feminists have a partner, they tend to choose a pro- feminist man; these relationships are more likely to be satisfactory and free from violence. Mediation analysis revealed that feminism indirectly plays a protective role against low-quality relationships, by helping to avoid anti-feminist partners. The study provides evidence for the protective role of being fem- inist in heterosexual relationships, and points out the importance of disseminating and supporting the feminist perspective.