Seeing One’s Partner Through Intimacy-Colored Glasses: An Examination of the Processes Underlying the Intimacy Goals-Relationship Satisfaction Link

Abstract

This research extends previous work demonstrating that individuals with intimacy goals experience greater relationship satisfaction by examining three distinct processes that may underlie this association (e.g., engaging in intimacy-conducive interactions with their partners, having intimacy-focused partners, perceiving partners as intimacy focused). The study included 100 female college students who completed measures of intimacy goals, patterns of relationship interaction, perceptions of their partner’s intimacy goals, and relationship satisfaction. Their dating partners also completed the intimacy goals measure. Results indicate that individuals with intimacy goals engage in particular patterns of interaction and perceive their partners as having intimacy goals, although there was no association between own and partner’s goals. Moreover, women’s perceptions of their partners’ intimacy goals partially mediated the intimacy goals-relationship satisfaction link.

The Influence of Personal Characteristics and Relationship Properties on Marital Support

“…More specifically, spouses who experienced more intimacy in their relationship felt more supported by their partner, and were more positive and less negative in soliciting and providing support. These results are in line with prior research on the association between intimacy goals and support-related variables (Sanderson & Evans, 2001). The association between the level of intimacy spouses experienced in their relationship and support in their relationship proved to be consistent across gender, and across the different components of spousal support that were included in the current study.…”

The Moderating Role of Attachment Styles on the Relationship between Alexithymia and Interpersonal Problems in an Iranian Population

“…5, No. 4;2013 others (Sanderson & Evans, 2001). Difficulty to express emotions and understanding the emotions of others is one of the characteristics of alexithymia.…”

The Moderating Role of Attachment Styles on the Relationship of Alexithymia and Fear of Intimacy with Marital Satisfaction

“…Expression of emotion as a basic factor in intimacy development Waldinger et al, 2004) is one of the indicators of marital satisfaction. Mutual expression of emotion can also create safety and support for couples and increase self-disclosure (Sanderson & Evans, 2001). Research has indicated that self-disclosure has positive relationship with marital satisfaction (Lippert & Prager, 2001).…”

“…Avoidant attached individuals are so cold in their relationships and are not able to create intimacy . One of the factors that create intimacy in the relationship is self-disclosure (Sanderson & Evans, 2001). Difficulty expressing emotions and understanding other's emotions is a feature of alexithymia.…”