Decision-making power, autonomy, and communication in remarried spouses compared with first-married spouses

The current study evaluated differences between remarried and first-married individuals in communication and standards for autonomy and decision-makin g po ver using self-report data from III remarried and III matched first-ma rried spouses. Remarried spouses endorsed more autonomous standards in chil drearing and finances. Also, remarried women endorsed greater autonomy rega rding friendships and family. These standards for greater autonomy were not related to marital distress. No differences were found in standards for ma rital decision-making power. Remarried spouses did not report more avoidanc e in communication about marital problems, and avoidance of problem discuss ion vas related to marital distress for both groups.