Concepts of Intimacy in the General Population

TLDR

The study employed a two‑stage interview design, first surveying 50 adults with open‑ended questions and then interviewing 48 couples (24 general and 24 clinical) using a standardized instrument to operationalize intimacy dimensions. The analysis revealed that self‑disclosure, affection, compatibility, cohesion, identity, and conflict resolution are core intimacy components, while sexual satisfaction is less central; moreover, perceived parental intimacy shapes individuals’ relationships, and couples with marital maladjustment or psychiatric illness show reduced awareness of intimacy factors and a weaker link between sexuality and intimacy, underscoring self‑disclosure and parental intimacy as key drivers of marital adjustment.

Abstract

A random sample of 50 adults in the general population received an open ended interview regarding their concepts of intimacy. A second random sample of 24 couples from the general population and 24 clinical couples received a standardized interview in which concepts of intimacy were systematically rated to develop an operational definition of the dimensions of intimacy. Self-disclosure was identified as a fundamental aspect of intimacy in interpersonal relationships and marriage. Expression of affection, compatibility, cohesion, identity, and the ability to resolve conflict were also considered important aspects of intimacy. Sexual satisfaction was considered less important than previous definitions of intimacy have suggested. The perception of his or her parents' level of intimacy was thought to influence the subject's own interpersonal relationships. Couples with marital maladjustment and/or psychiatric illness were less aware of aspects of their marriage which influence intimacy. They more frequently disagreed that sexuality influenced their level of intimacy. The study suggests that self-disclosure and parental interpersonal intimacy may be fundamental factors in marital adjustment which merit further research.