Closeness Discrepancies in Romantic Relationships: Implications for Relational Well-Being, Stability, and Mental Health

Experiences of closeness in romantic relationships are associated with heightened levels of relational well-being and mental health. However, individuals differ in the degree of closeness they desire in their relationships. This study used the construct of inclusion of other in self (IOS) to analyze...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Personality & social psychology bulletin 2013-04, Vol.39 (4), p.456-469
Main Authors: Frost, David M., Forrester, Cat
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Logistic Models
Longitudinal Studies
Love
Male
Mental Health
Motivation
Object Attachment
Personal relationships
Personal Satisfaction
Quality of life
Self Concept
Social psychology
Trust
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Summary:Experiences of closeness in romantic relationships are associated with heightened levels of relational well-being and mental health. However, individuals differ in the degree of closeness they desire in their relationships. This study used the construct of inclusion of other in self (IOS) to analyze discrepancies between individuals’ actual and ideal levels of closeness in their relationships and the implications of these discrepancies for relational well-being and mental health. A longitudinal survey of partnered individuals demonstrated that optimal levels of relational well-being and mental health existed when individuals had minimal discrepancies between actual and ideal IOS, regardless of their actual levels of IOS. Individuals whose actual levels of IOS moved closer to their ideal levels over a 2-year period reported improved relational well-being and mental health. Individuals with little to no discrepancies between actual and ideal IOS were also less likely to break-up with their partners over time.
ISSN:0146-1672
1552-7433
DOI:10.1177/0146167213476896