Intimacy as an interpersonal process: The importance of self-disclosure, partner disclosure, and perceived partner responsiveness in interpersonal exchanges

Most theorists and researchers agree that intimacy is an essential aspect of many interpersonal relationships (e.g., Bartholomew, 1990; Clark & Reis, 1988; McAdams & Constantian, 1983; Prager, 1995; Reis, 1990; Sullivan, 1953; Waring, 1984). Nevertheless, considerable variability exists in conceptualizations of intimacy (Perlman & Fehr, 1987). Some theorists have defined intimacy as a quality of interactions between persons: Individuals emit reciprocal behaviors that are designed to maintain a comfortable level of closeness (e.g., Argyle & Dean, 1965; Patterson, 1976, 1982).