Texas A&M University LibrariesTexas A&M University LibrariesTexas A&M University Libraries
    • Help
    • Login
    OAKTrust
    View Item 
    •   OAKTrust Home
    • Colleges and Schools
    • Office of Graduate and Professional Studies
    • Electronic Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study (2002– )
    • View Item
    •   OAKTrust Home
    • Colleges and Schools
    • Office of Graduate and Professional Studies
    • Electronic Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study (2002– )
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Testing an interpersonal process model of intimacy using intimate discussions of committed romantic couples

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    etd-tamu-2006A-PSYC-Castell.pdf (300.5Kb)
    Date
    2006-08-16
    Author
    Castellani, Angela Marie
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    This study attempts to better understand relationship processes that promote or enhance a coupleÂ’s experience of emotional intimacy in their relationship. An overarching goal of the research is to test Reis and ShaverÂ’s (1988) interpersonal process model of intimacy with a sample of committed, romantic couples. The interpersonal process model asserts that discussions involving self-disclosure and empathic responding will result in subjective feelings of emotional intimacy. Reis and ShaverÂ’s model suggests that more vulnerable self-disclosure will promote deeper levels of emotional understanding and concern, subsequently resulting in greater subjective intimacy. Analyses tested the interpersonal process model of intimacy by examining self- and partner-reports of self-disclosure, empathic responding, and emotional intimacy. In this study, data were collected on 108 committed romantic couples from the community. Couples completed a packet of questionnaires individually and then engaged in videotaped interactions in which they discussed times when (a) someone other than their partner hurt their feelings (low-risk), and (b) their partner hurt their feelings (high-risk). The discussion topics were aimed at eliciting vulnerable self-disclosure and empathic responding. Results support the interpersonal process model, showing that self-disclosure and empathy are positively related to greater reports of post-interaction intimacy. Empathy proved to have a stronger impact on intimacy in high-risk discussions than low-risk discussions. The impact of self-disclosure and empathy on intimacy did not differ for men and women, suggesting that similar processes are at work for both genders. Methodological and clinical implications are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1969.1/3960
    Subject
    Couples
    Intimacy
    Collections
    • Electronic Theses, Dissertations, and Records of Study (2002– )
    Citation
    Castellani, Angela Marie (2003). Testing an interpersonal process model of intimacy using intimate discussions of committed romantic couples. Doctoral dissertation, Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Available electronically from http : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /3960.

    DSpace software copyright © 2002-2016  DuraSpace
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
    Theme by 
    Atmire NV
     

     

    Advanced Search

    Browse

    All of OAKTrustCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsDepartmentThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsDepartment

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    Statistics

    View Usage Statistics
    Help and Documentation

    DSpace software copyright © 2002-2016  DuraSpace
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
    Theme by 
    Atmire NV