Handbook of Closeness and Intimacy

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.

Mashek, Debra J.; Aron, Arthur

Contents: Preface. D.J. Mashek, A.P. Aron, Introduction. Part I: What Are Closeness and Intimacy?B. Fehr, A Prototype Model of Intimacy Interactions in Same-Sex Friendships. A.P. Aron, D.J. Mashek, E.N. Aron, Closeness as Including Other in the Self. K.J. Prager, L.J. Roberts, Deep Intimate Connection: Self and Intimacy in Couple Relationships. J-P. Laurenceau, L.M. Rivera, A.R. Schaffer, P.R. Pietromonaco, Intimacy as an Interpersonal Process: Current Status and Future Directions. Part II: How Can Closeness and Intimacy Be Measured?E. Berscheid, M. Snyder, A.M. Omoto, Measuring Closeness: The Relationship Closeness Inventory (RCI) Revisited. C.R. Agnew, T.J. Loving, B. Le, W. Goodfriend, Thinking Close: Measuring Relational Closeness as Perceived Self-Other Inclusion. E.F. Kouneski, D.H. Olson, A Practical Look at Intimacy: ENRICH Couple Typology. Part III: What Are the General Processes of Closeness and Intimacy?C.E. Rusbult, M. Kumashiro, M.K. Coolsen, J.L. Kirchner, Interdependence, Closeness, and Relationships. N.L. Collins, B.C. Feeney, An Attachment Theory Perspective on Closeness and Intimacy. K.D. Vohs, R.F. Baumeister, Sexual Passion, Intimacy, and Gender. H.T. Reis, M.S. Clark, J.G. Holmes, Perceived Partner Responsiveness as an Organizing Construct in the Study of Intimacy and Closeness. Part IV: What Individual Differences Play a Role in Closeness and Intimacy?S.E. Cross, J.S. Gore, The Relational Self-Construal and Closeness. C.A. Sanderson, The Link Between the Pursuit of Intimacy Goals and Satisfaction in Close Relationships: An Examination of the Underlying Processes. E.N. Aron, The Impact of Adult Temperament on Closeness and Intimacy. Part V: What Situational Factors Play a Role in Closeness and Intimacy?X.B. Arriaga, W. Goodfriend, A. Lohmann, Beyond the Individual: Concomitants of Closeness in the Social and Physical Environment. C.B. Wortman, K. Wolff, G.A. Bonanno, Loss of an Intimate Partner Through Death. G. Adams, S.L. Anderson, J.K. Adonu, The Cultural Grounding of Closeness and Intimacy. Part VI: Is There a Dark Side to Closeness and Intimacy?D.J. Mashek, M.D. Sherman, Desiring Less Closeness With Intimate Others. W. Ickes, J. Hutchison, D.J. Mashek, Closeness as Intersubjectivity: Social Absorption and Social Individuation. R.W. Firestone, L. Firestone, Methods for Overcoming the Fear of Intimacy. R.S. Edelstein, P.R. Shaver, Avoidant Attachment: Exploration of an Oxymoron. A.P. Aron, D.J. Mashek, Conclusion.