SEX-ROLE ATTITUDES IN DATING AND MARRIAGE - A 15-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF THE BOSTON COUPLES STUDY

This longitudinal research investigated the personal and relationship correlates of sex role attitudes first during college and then 15 year s later. The original sample of 231 college-age dating couples was stu died intensively in 1972-1974, and individual participants were recont acted in 1986-1987. Results provide evidence for the reliability and v alidity of the 10-item Sex-Role Traditionalism Scale. In college, sign ificant links were found between sex role attitudes and dating relatio nships, including patterns of self-disclosure, power, and cohabition, but not relationship satisfaction. Fifteen years later, sex role attit udes assessed while in college were largely unrelated to general patte rns of marriage, childbearing, and employment for either sex, but did predict women's educational attainment and the long-term outcome of th e college romances.