Psychological intimacy in the lasting relationships of heterosexual and same-gender couples

• Published in: Sex roles 2000-08, Vol.43 (3-4), p.201-227
• Main Authors: MACKEY, Richard A, DIEMER, Matthew A, O'BRIEN, Bernard A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Blacks; College Students; Couple and family; Couples; Definitions; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gays & lesbians; Gender roles; Heterosexuality; Heterosexuals; Hispanic Americans; Homosexuality; Homosexuals; Interpersonal Communication; Interpersonal Relations; Interpersonal relationships; Intimacy; Jews; Lesbianism; Long term; Meaning; Mexican Americans; Nonverbal Communication; Opposite Sex Relations; Personal relationships; Predictor Variables; Protestants; Psychological Needs; Psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Research Methodology; Roman Catholics; Sexual Orientation; Sexuality; Social psychology; Social role. Sex role; White Collar Occupations; Whites
• ISSN: 0360-0025; 1573-2762
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1007028930658

This research focused on the meaning of psychological intimacy to partners in heterosexual & same-gender relationships that have lasted for an average of 30 years. In-depth interviews were used to explore the meaning of intimacy to 216 partners in 108 relationships. The participants were whites, blacks, & Mexican-Americans, with Catholic, Jewish, & Protestant religious backgrounds; they were employed in both blue- & white-collar occupations. Psychological intimacy was defined as the sense that one could be open & honest in talking with a partner about personal thoughts & feelings not usually expressed in other relationships. Factors that had a significant role in shaping the quality of psychological intimacy in the last 5 to 10 years of these relationships (recent years) were the absence of major conflict, a confrontive conflict management style between partners, a sense of fairness about the relationship, & the expression of physical affection between partners. Women in same-gender relationships, compared to their heterosexual & gay counterparts, were more likely to report that psychologically intimate communication characterized their relationships. The findings are important for understanding factors that contribute to psychological intimacy in long-term relationships & how the gender roles of partners may shape the quality of psychological intimacy in heterosexual & same-gender relationships. 4 Tables, 44 References. Adapted from the source document.