The Link Between the Pursuit of Intimacy Goals and Satisfaction in Close Relationships: An Examination of the Underlying Processes

Both theory and research on close relationships point to the connection between intimacy and relationship satisfaction (Berscheid, 1983; Kelley, 1979). Specifically, individuals who engage in self-disclosure, trust, and interdependencewith their partners experience greater relationship satisfaction and longer relationship longevity (Altman & Taylor, 1973; Hendrick, 1981; Hendrick, Hendrick, & Adler, 1988; Hill, Rubin,&Peplau, 1976; Levinger&Senn, 1967;Reis&Shaver, 1988;Rubin,Hill, Peplau, & Dunkel-Schetter, 1980; Simpson, 1987). On the other hand, relationships with low levels of intimacy are more likely to end (Hendrick, 1981; Hendrick et al., 1988; Hill et al., 1976; Simpson, 1987). Thus, creating intimacy in a relationship plays an important role in predicting satisfaction in close relationships as well as in maintaining these relationships over time.