Using Equity Theory to Examine Relationship Maintenance and Satisfaction in Father-Daughter Relationships

The objective of this study was to use equity theory to examine communication maintenance behaviors in father-daughter relationships. It was proposed that equity types would be possible determinants of relationship maintenance behaviors and, ultimately, relational and communication satisfaction. One hundred ninety-eight father-daughter dyads participated in the study. Results indicated that father-daughter equity types affect the use of relationship maintenance behaviors and perceptions of satisfaction. Narissra Maria Punyanunt-Carter 159 The father-daughter relationship is one of the least understood family dyads (PunyanuntCarter, 2005, 2006). Endres (1997) reported few studies dealing with father-daughter relationships in the communication discipline. Likewise, Stafford and Dainton (1995) noted that family research has mainly focused on the mother and ignored the father. The present study sought to remedy this deficiency. The goal of this study was to analyze an important feature of communication in father-daughter relationships, relational maintenance. Using equity theory as a guide, this paper examined relationship maintenance behaviors and how they relate to satisfaction between fathers and daughters. By doing so, this study hoped to extend what is known about communication patterns in the father-daughter relationship. Equity Theory Equity theory maintains that people seek rewards in relationships, and rewards are greatest in relationships that are equal. Messman, Canary, and Hause (2000) explained that equity theory is based on balance for both relational partners. If one relational partner feels that the relationship is unbalanced—where he or she gives more—then it is underbenefited. And if one of the relational partners receives more than he or she gives, resulting in an unbalanced relationship, then it is called overbenefited. Messman et al. highlighted the fact that equal, or equitable, relationships are the best type of relationships. Underbenefited and overbenefited relationships have different impact on partners. For instance, Sprecher (1986) noticed that people reported strong feelings of anger and sadness for underbenefited relationships. Equity theory has received support in a variety of relationship maintenance studies. Underbenefited and overbenefited marital partners have different perceptions about their relationships. Stafford, Perry, and Rankin (1999) found that husbands and wives had different views of equity and relationship maintenance. For wives, being overbenefited was related to husbands’ assurances and positive behaviors. On the other hand, for husbands, being overbenefited was related to wives’ involvement in more tasks. In addition, Stafford et al. noted that the connection between underbenefitedness and satisfaction was influenced by the partner’s perceptions of maintenance behaviors. In addition, Canary and Stafford (1992) discovered that relational maintenance behaviors were used more by wives who defined their marriages as equal than wives who perceived that their husbands overbenefited them. But not all research dealt with husbands and wives. Some of these connections have also been found in friendship relationships. Messman et al. (2000) studied equity and relationship maintenance strategies in opposite-sex friendships and found that equal friendship relationships were those in which the dyads did not frequently flirt, gave support, and maintained positivity. In addition, they found that positive and proactive maintenance behaviors were used mostly in equal friendship relationships. We would expect similar results for equitable father-daughter relationships. Equity has also been connected to relationship maintenance in parent-child relationships. Vogl-Bauer, Kalbfleisch, and Beatty (1999) adopted equity theory for a study of relational maintenance and satisfaction in parent-adolescent relationships and found that equity theory adequately explained parents’ perceptions of equity satisfaction. Parents’ satisfaction levels were positively related to perceptions of equity with their children and the sex of the parent influenced the type of maintenance strategy used by the children. However, the findings relating to overbenefited relationships did not support equity theory, and findings about underbenefited and equitable relationships offered only partial support. Nevertheless, Vogl-Bauer et al. argued that the theory was ideal for studying parent-adolescent relationships because of the unique nature of the relationship. During the adolescent years, adolescents are trying to gain autonomy from their