ABSTRACT

This handbook brings together the latest thinking on the scientific study of closeness and intimacy from some of the most active and widely recognized relationship scholars in social and clinical psychology, communication studies, and related disciplines. Each contributing author defines their understanding of the meaning of closeness and intimacy; summarizes existing research and provides an overview of a theoretical framework; presents new ideas, applications, and previously unstated theoretical connections; and provides cross-references to other chapters to further integrate the material.

The Handbook of Closeness and Intimacy will be of interest to researchers, practitioners, and students from social, clinical, and developmental psychology; family studies; counseling; and communication.

part I|6 pages

Introduction

chapter I|2 pages

What Are Closeness and Intimacy?

chapter 2|18 pages

A Prototype Model of Intimacy Interactions in Same-Sex Friendships

ByBeverley Fehr

chapter 3|16 pages

Closeness as Including Other in the Self

ByArthur P. Aron, Debra J. Mashek, Elaine N. Aron

chapter 4|18 pages

Deep Intimate Connection: Self and Intimacy in Couple Relationships

ByKaren J. Prager, Linda J. Roberts

chapter 5|18 pages

Intimacy as an Interpersonal Process: Current Status and Future Directions

ByJean-Philippe Laurenceau, Luis M. Rivera, Amy R. Schaffer, Paula R. Pietromonaco

part II|2 pages

How Can Closeness and Intimacy Be Measured?

chapter 6|22 pages

Measuring Closeness: The Relationship Closeness Inventory (RCI) Revisited

ByEllen Berscheid, Mark Snyder, Allen M. Omoto

chapter 7|14 pages

Thinking Close: Measuring Relational Closeness as Perceived Self-Other Inclusion

ByChristopher R. Agnew, Timothy J. Loving, Benjamin Le, Wind Goodfriend

chapter 8|18 pages

A Practical Look at Intimacy: ENRICH Couple Typology

ByEdward F. Kouneski, David H. Olson

part III|2 pages

What Are the General Processes of Closeness and Intimacy?

chapter 9|26 pages

Interdependence, Closeness, and Relationships

ByCaryl E. Rusbult, Madoka Kumashiro, Michael K. Coolsen, Jeffrey L. Kirchner

chapter 10|26 pages

An Attachment Theory Perspective on Closeness and Intimacy

ByNancy L. Collins, Brooke C. Feeney

chapter 11|12 pages

Sexual Passion, Intimacy, and Gender

ByKathleen D. Vohs, Roy F. Baumeister

chapter 12|26 pages

Perceived Partner Responsiveness as an Organizing Construct in the Study of Intimacy and Closeness

ByHarry T. Reis, Margaret S. Clark, John G. Holmes

part IV|2 pages

What Individual Differences Play a Role in Closeness and Intimacy?

chapter 13|18 pages

The Relational Self-Construal and Closeness

BySusan E. Cross, Jonathan S. Gore

chapter 15|18 pages

The Impact of Adult Temperament on Closeness and Intimacy

ByElaine N. Aron

part V|2 pages

What Situational Factors Play a Role in Closeness and Intimacy?

chapter 16|18 pages

Beyond the Individual: Concomitants of Closeness in the Social and Physical Environment

ByXimena B. Arriaga, Wind Goodfriend, Andrew Lohmann

chapter 17|16 pages

Loss of an Intimate Partner Through Death

ByCamille B. Wortman, Karin Wolff, George A. Bonanno

chapter 18|20 pages

The Cultural Grounding of Closeness and Intimacy

ByGlenn Adams, Stephanie L. Anderson, Joseph K. Adonu

part VI|2 pages

Is There a Dark Side to Closeness and Intimacy?

chapter 19|14 pages

Desiring Less Closeness With Intimate Others

ByDebra J. Mashek, Michelle D. Sherman

chapter 20|18 pages

Closeness as Intersubjectivity: Social Absorption and Social Individuation

ByWilliam Ickes, Joanna Hutchison, Debra Mashek

chapter 21|22 pages

Methods for Overcoming the Fear of Intimacy

ByRobert W. Firestone, Lisa Firestone

chapter 22|16 pages

Avoidant Attachment: Exploration of an Oxymoron

ByRobin S. Edelstein, Phillip R. Shaver

part |2 pages

Conclusion

chapter 23|14 pages

Conclusion

ByArthur P. Aron, Debra J. Mashek