Who Can Give Me Satisfaction?

Abstract

This study aimed to better understand couples' satisfaction. We hypothesized that similar levels on the two dimensions of fear of intimacy (fear of losing the self [FLS] and fear of losing the other [FLO]) would buffer the negative association between fear of intimacy and relationship satisfaction. Findings revealed a positive influence in relationship satisfaction from partner similarity in FLS. No effects were found from partner similarity in FLO. Relationship satisfaction decreased when one partner's higher fear of losing the self was combined with lower fear of losing the other from the other partner. Repercussions for couple therapy are discussed.

The Role of Fear of Intimacy as Mediator between Self-Differentiation and Marital Relationship Satisfaction: A Dyadic Model

“…We cautiously suggest that the study provided insights into wives’ significant role in forming satisfied marital relationship. The results seem to converge with other studies that emphasize how women express a desire for more emotional intimacy than men (Umberson, Thomeer, & Lodge, 2015), and that men are more affected by wives’ intimacy-related variables than women (Sobral et al, 2015). Moreover, it may support the traditional perspective that women are the ones who assume primary responsibility for managing the emotional realm of their marriages (Sabatelli and Bartle-Haring, 2003).…”

“…Although the desire for intimacy is a major motivation for forming and maintaining marital relations, some feel that intimate relations threaten their integrity, or their sense of self-control, and are afraid of intimacy (Vangelisti & Beck, 2007). Fear of intimacy refers to one's inhibited ability to share thoughts and emotions of personal significance with another individual who is highly valued (Descutner & Thelen, 1991), and tends to oppose the ability to form close and intimate relationships (Sobral et al, 2015; Thelen et al, 2000). Greenberg and Goldman (2008) view fear of intimacy as a self-protective stance driven by the vulnerability of needing others, getting rejected, hurt, or being embarrassed.…”

Psychological Maladjustment Mediates the Relation Between Remembrances of Parental Rejection in Childhood and Adults’ Fear of Intimacy: A Multicultural Study

“…Beyond this, Sherman and Thelen (1996) and Descutner and Thelen (1991) reported that people who scored high on their measure of the fear of intimacy were at greater risk than respondents who scored low on the measure to experience negative self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and overall psychological maladjustment. Because of all this emotional pain known from prior research to be brought about by the experience of interpersonal rejection (Khaleque & Ali, 2017; Rohner, 1986; Rohner & Britner, 2002; Rohner & Lansford, 2017), people with a fear of intimacy are likely to have difficulty developing and maintaining satisfying relationships with others (Martin & Ashby, 2004; Sobral, Teixeira, & Costa, 2015). In further support of these conclusions, Doi and Thelen (1993) found that individuals with a strong fear of intimacy often acknowledge that their partners feel they are difficult to be close to in the relationship.…”