Psychological Intimacy in the Lasting Relationships of Heterosexual and Same-Gender Couples

Psychological Intimacy in the Lasting Relationships of Heterosexual and Same-Gender Couples: "Psychological Intimacy in the Lasting Relationships of Heterosexual and Same-Gender Couples

by Richard A. Mackey, Matthew A. Diemer, Bernard A.O'Brien. Published 8/00: Sex Roles: A Journal of Research

This research focused on the meaning of psychological intimacy to partners in heterosexual and 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, and Mexican-Americans, with Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant religious backgrounds; they were employed in both blue-and white collar occupations.

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Psychological intimacy was defined as the sense that one could be open and honest in talking with a partner about personal thoughts and 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"

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posted by Robert Heard at 9:58 AM