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Closeness Discrepancies in Couple Relationships: A Dyadic Response Surface Analysis
Sebastian Pusch1, Franz J Neyer1, Birk Hagemeyer1
1Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Germany.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|August 11, 2022
Summary
Relationship closeness matters for romantic well-being. Mismatched desires for closeness, especially feeling not close enough, negatively impact relationship quality for both partners.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- Individuals vary in their desired level of romantic relationship closeness.
- Closeness discrepancies, feeling not close enough (negative) or too close (positive), can arise.
- Understanding these discrepancies' impact on relationship quality is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of negative and positive closeness discrepancies on subjective relationship quality (SRQ).
- To examine how individual (actor) and partner discrepancies influence relationship satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Dyadic response surface analysis was employed.
- Data from 1,177 individuals within 748 romantic couples were analyzed.
- Examined linear and non-linear effects of closeness discrepancies.
Main Results:
- SRQ was lower for individuals reporting negative closeness discrepancies.
- SRQ was also lower when partners reported negative closeness discrepancies, independent of one's own discrepancy.
- Linear effects of negative discrepancies were significant, but broad (non-linear) effects were not.
Conclusions:
- Low relationship closeness, coupled with a strong desire for more closeness, significantly impairs relational well-being for both partners.
- Addressing negative closeness discrepancies is vital for enhancing relationship quality.
- Future research could explore interventions to manage closeness desires in relationships.
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