Physical distance and interpersonal characteristics in college students’romantic relationships

Abstract

Abstract This study compared college students’long‐distance romantic relationships ( N = 80) with those that were not long‐distance ( N = 82) on nine variables that have been suggested as fundamentally important in intimate relationships. Members of long‐distance relationships (LDKs) reported less descriptive self‐disclosure and companionship with their partners, and they were less certain their relationships would endure. The two types of relationships did not differ on the remaining six intimacy processes: intimate self‐disclosure, affection, enhancement of worth, instrumental help, nurturance, and partner's perspective‐taking. LDRs did not differ from nonLDRs on ratings of closeness, but were rated as less satisfactory. LDRs were no more likely to terminate within a 3‐month period than were nonLDKs. In the entire sample, relationship satisfaction was found to be the best predictor of stability.