Marital intimacy and self-disclosure

Examined the relationship between the qualitative aspects of marital intimacy among 20 couples and a quantitative, microalysis of their selfdisclosing behavior. Two interview segments and their combination were scored for the basic parameters of self-disclosure using the Self-Disclosure Coding System (SDCS). The scores served as predictor variables for each of 12 intimacy dimensions derived from the standardized, structured Victoria Hospital Intimacy Interview in stepwise multiple regression analyses. The resulting multiple Rs ranged from 0.357 for Sexuality in segment 1 to 0.853 for Identity in segment II. Analysis of the couples' self-disclosures across segments I and II yielded multiple Rs from 0.446 to 0.850, with the intimacy dimensions of Expressiveness, Compatibility, Behavior, and Identity the highest correlates. These results suggest that although self-disclosure and intimacy are not synonymous, self-disclosing behavior is a major determinant of various aspects of marital intimacy and accounts for more than 50% of the variance in at least four dimensions. Explanations for these findings and their clinical relevance are discussed.     

Development of the marital self-disclosure questionnaire (MSDQ)

This research describes the development of the Marital Self-Disclosure Questionnaire (MSDQ), a brief, self-report measure of the quantity and quality of marital self-disclosure. Consisting of 40 true-false items, the MSDQ provides a global index of marital self-disclosure as well as assesses four facets of self-disclosure between spouses: Relationship, Sex, Money, and Imbalance. Results indicate that the MSDQ scales are reliable, and preliminary data suggest that the MSDQ may have validity for distinguishing among groups hypothesized to differ in terms of marital distress and self-disclosure. Further evaluation of the MSDQ for its clinical and research utility appears to be warranted. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 54: 817–824, 1998.     

The effects of a recipient's openness and conveyance to a third party of the self-disclosure on changes in the discloser's liking and self-disclosure

One hundred and ninety-nine university students (101 males, 98 females) served in a study designed to examine various factors affecting a discloser's degree of liking of and self-disclosure to a recipient. Specifically, the effects of (1) the recipient's degree of openness (high, low), (2) whether or not the recipient conveyed the discloser's self-disclosure to a third party (yes, no), and (3) the intimacy of self-disclosure by the discloser (high, low) were assessed in terms of (a) change in self-disclosure by the discloser and (b) change in liking by the discloser. Results confirmed the hypotheses that: (1) the degree of openness of the recipient and the conveyance of self-disclosure by the recipient would interact with change in the discloser's liking of and self-disclosure to the recipient, and, (2) the degree of openness of the recipient and the intimacy of self-disclosure would interact with change in the discloser's liking of and self-disclosure to the recipient. Moreover, females were found to be more sensitive than males to conveyance by the recipient.     

Obsessive-compulsive disorder and romantic functioning

The current study examined the romantic relationships of individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Participants were 64 individuals recruited from a national conference who completed measures of OCD symptoms, depressive symptoms, intimacy, self-disclosure, relationship satisfaction, and relationship worry. Severity of obsessions was negatively correlated with intimacy, relationship satisfaction, and self-disclosure. In contrast, two compulsive behaviors (washing and neutralizing) were positively correlated with several relationship variables. Fears of contamination from sexual activity were positively correlated with the severity of OCD symptoms. The clinical implications of the findings from this study and suggestions for future research are presented.     

The measurement of intimacy in marriage: The waring intimacy questionnaire

Developed eight independent content scales to assess components of marital intimacy (Conflict Resolution, Affection, Cohesion, Sexuality, Identity, Compatibility, Autonomy, and Expressiveness). The measures were designed to be relatively free from social desirability and acquiescent responding (N = 248). Test retest and internal consistency reliabilities were high and sexual bias was not indicated.     

Competing role demands of therapists' professional and marital lives

This review evaluates current knowledge regarding the multilevel and reciprocal relations between psychotherapists' professional and marital lives. Because few articles pertain specifically to psychotherapists, the review incorporates pertinent literature concerned with other health service professionals. A model of reciprocal influence is proposed which conceptualizes interactive effects among the professional's personal history, vocational life, and marital life. Conflicted nurturing in the professional's family of origin may cultivate a need for control over interpersonal relations, which is fulfilled by professional training and practice. Empirical research supports the notion that professional intimacy serves a defensive function against conflict over marital intimacy. However, residual conflicts over intimacy surface in the marriage, and both the therapist and spouse may develop psychological symptoms.     

Maladaptive antisocial aggressive behavior and outlets for intimacy

Psychotherapy research literature suggests that maladjustment and self disclosure patterns are related. Male psychiatric patients (23-37 years) were selected according to a stratified random sampling procedure with conditions for Ss: (a) who actually have engaged in maladaptive antisocial aggression (N = 41); (b) who exhibited aggressive impulses, urges, or fantaies (N = 111); and (c) who served as patient (N = 105) and non-patient (N = 137) controls. Results of this study supported the prediction that those patients who actually engaged in maladaptive antisocial aggression employed fewer outlets for self-disclosure than any of the other patient or non-patient grouings. Clinical implications that concerned the actual range of an individual's outlets for intimacy as predictive of maladaptive antisocial aggression in male adults were discussed.     

大学生亲密恐惧与父母婚姻冲突知觉的关系

目的:探讨大学生亲密恐惧与父母婚姻冲突的关系。方法:选取255名大学生,采用亲密恐惧问卷(FIS)与儿童感知婚姻冲突量表(CPIC)调查大学生的亲密恐惧与父母婚姻冲突知觉的关系。结果:大学生亲密恐惧总分与冲突频率、冲突强度、冲突是否解决、威胁、应对效能感、儿童自我归因及冲突内容7个因子均呈正相关(r=0.25,0.26,0.30,0.23,0.14,0.20,0.32;P0.001或0.05)。高亲密恐惧组CPIC得分显著高于低亲密恐惧组。结论:大学生亲密恐惧与父母婚姻冲突知觉有密切关系。     

The influence of interviewer self-disclosure and verbal reinforcement on personality tests

The effects of prior interview experiences on subsequent test responding were examined by comparing the influence of three interviewer behaviors: interviewer self-disclosure, interviewer verbal reinforcement of self-referent statements, and direct instructions to be self-disclosive. Performance was contrasted with a control interview condition characterized by no interviewer self-disclosure or self-referent reinforcement and with a no-interview condition. Responses on measures of self-disclosure and anxiety indicated that female Ss tended to be more self-disclosive than males in general, but were relatively uninfluenced by experimental condition. For male Ss, verbal reinforcement increased self-disclosure relative to the interviewer self-disclosure condition. Interviewer self-disclosure was shown to result in more favorable perceptions of the self and the interviewer, particularly for males, and greater social evaluative anxiety for females. Both these factors are discussed as possibly counteracting the modelling effects of interviewer self-disclosure. An interpretation of the results in terms of interactions between S sex, interviewer sex, and experimental condition is proposed and implications for related research discussed.     

Body disclosure and self-disclosure-relating two modes of interpersonal encounter

This study investigated the relationship between body-disclosure and self-disclosure. The author drew upon current research in self-disclosure and body image and hypothesized that self-disclosure and body-disclosure would be directly related. Ss who volunteered for the experiment were matched for sex, past disclosure, and willingness to disclose to someone of the opposite sex. A social nudity experience was provided for one group, an outing day was provided for the second group, and a third group received no treatment. Testing included a tape recorded self-disclosure dialogue and ratings of self-and body attitudes. Finally the Ss were asked to write their subjective „experience of the experiment.”︁ Ss who had undergone a body-disclosure experience disclosed more to each other than did Ss in the other groups. Ss also tended to like themselves better after the social nudity experience. Furthermore, they described the body-disclosing day as a peak experience.     

婚恋培训女性学员的婚姻满意感及相关因素

目的:调查参加婚恋培训女性的婚姻满意感现状并探索其相关因素。方法:采用方便取样,对376名参加婚恋培训的女性学员,用中文版Kansas婚姻满意感量表(C-KMS)、自编婚姻质量问卷和亲密关系问卷进行调查。结果:58.8%被试对婚姻"满意",13.8%"不满意",27.4%"中等"。46.8%的被试亲密关系不安全,最常用的冲突处理模式为回避冲突。回归方程显示有6个因子与婚姻满意感正相关,相关程度最高的因素是冲突处理,其余依次为感受关爱、性生活、宗教信仰/价值观、姻亲关系和金钱管理。有3个因子与冲突处理正相关,相关程度最高的因素为寂寞感,其余依次为战火升高与回避冲突。结论:参加婚恋培训的女性总体婚姻满意感呈中上等水平,学习解决冲突的技巧与增加亲密感的方法可提高婚姻满意感。     

The relationship of self-disclosure to personality,adjustment and self-actualization

This study tested the hypothesis that a high level of self-disclosure is indicative of psychological adjustment and self-actualization. The self-disclosure scale. Social Avoidance and Distress, Fear of Negative Evaluation, Alienation and Repression-Sensitization scales were administered to 60 Ss. The results for all scales indicated that a high level of disclosure was associated with adjustment as measured by these scales. A second group of 94 Ss completed the self-disclosure scale and the Personal Orientation Inventory, a measure of self-actualization. The results indicated that high disclosers compared to low disclosers had achieved a higher level of self-actualization. That is, there were significant correlations between self-disclosure and measures of self-actualization such as Time Competence, Internal Support, Existentiality, Self-Acceptance and Capacity for Intimate Contact.     

Counselors' reports of their use of self-disclosure with clients

Ninety-six counselors indicated the frequency of their use of 11 types of self-disclosure, which varied in intimacy from incidental information (age, race) to personal weaknesses. Positive emotional responses to clients were used most frequently, and opinions/attitudes were used least frequently. A factor analysis showed three factors to describe the data best. Factor 1 was represented by information related to the personal identify and experiences of the therapist. Factor 2 involved the emotional responses of the therapist to the client. Factor 3 was principally the disclosure of professional experiences and identity. Implications are considered.     

Marital intimacy,psychosomatic symptoms,and cognitive therapy

The marriages of patients with psychosomatic illness involving chronic physical symptoms of obscure etiology–are often superficially adjusted, but have a significant lack of interpersonal intimacy. Furthermore, the physical symptoms of one partner may be used as an indirect attempt to overcome a frustrating lack of communication. The author describes an approach to family therapy that enables the spouses in such marriages to open up to each other, increasing intimacy in their marriages and im proving chronic psychosomatic symptoms that have been perpetuated by marital maladjustment.     

The effects of cognitive pretraining on cohesion and self-disclosure in small groups: An analog study

This study examined the effects of written, cognitive pretraining on the development of cohesion and self-disclosure in interpersonal learning groups. Subjects in the experimental condition received a written introduction to the group experience, and subjects in the control condition received written information on the history of group psychotherapy. Results demonstrated that the experimental groups had a higher level of group cohesion than the control groups, p < 0.0001, but were not different on self-disclosure. The correlation between cohesion and self-disclosure was not statistically significant. The results were discussed as an extension of the empirical support for cognitive pretraining.     

A longitudinal analysis of intimacy processes and psychological distress among couples coping with head and neck or lung cancers

Individuals diagnosed with lung and head and neck (HN) cancers and their spouses are at increased risk for distress. This study assessed whether the way couples communicate about cancer and their perceptions of relationship intimacy influenced both partners’ adjustment. One-hundred thirty-nine patients and their spouses [For purposes of clarity, we refer to the patients’ intimate partner as the spouse, regardless of actual marital status and we reserve the term partner to refer to the other person in the couple (i.e., the patient’s partner is the spouse and the spouse’s partner is the patient)] completed measures of spousal communication, intimacy, and distress at three time points over 6 months. Using multilevel modeling, an over-time actor-partner interdependence model was specified that examined whether intimacy mediated associations between one’s own and one’s partner’s reports of communication at baseline and later distress. Patients and spouses who reported greater baseline distress reported more negative baseline communication as well as lower levels of intimacy and greater distress over time. Mediation analyses showed patients’ and spouses’ reports of positive spousal communication were associated with less subsequent distress largely through their effects on intimacy. Clinicians working with head and neck or lung cancer patients should assess communication and intimacy because both impact couples’ distress.     

Validating a Measure of Friends’ Responses to Self-Disclosure in Adolescent Obese and Public School Samples

The goal of the current study was to validate a new measure of the friendship self-disclosure process that assesses the likelihood of disclosing a negative peer experience and expectations for friends’ responses to disclosure (EFRD) of this experience. Participants for Study 1 were 572 adolescents (age M = 14.82; 53% female; 66% Caucasian) from a public school sample who completed the self-disclosure survey and a measures of depressive symptoms at one time point. Participants of Study 2 comprised 180 obese adolescents (age M = 12.78; 67% female; 58% African American) from an urban children’s hospital. The obese sample completed the self-disclosure survey, as well as measures of friendship quality, peer victimization, and depressive symptoms at two time points, 6 months apart. For both studies, 3 dimensions of EFRD were examined: protection, blame, and negative responses. Each EFRD dimension was replicated across 2 samples, over time, and had good interitem reliability as well as convergent and discriminant validity. In Study 2, high rates of expected negativity (only for boys) and blame (for boys and girls) predicted increases in depressive symptoms. In addition, victimization led to increases in depression for obese adolescents who expected little in the way of protective responses from their friends. In contrast, changes in depression were not predictable from victimization for those who expected friends to use protective responses. EFRD are clearly important mechanisms in the self-disclosure process that may serve to protect against changes in adjustment in response to negative peer experiences, such as peer victimization.     

大学生目睹父母婚姻暴力经历对亲密恐惧的影响:自卑感与安全感的链式中介作用

目的:基于霍妮基本焦虑理论以及认知-背景理论,本研究探讨自卑感、安全感在大学生目睹父母婚姻暴力经历与亲密恐惧之间的中介作用。方法:采用目睹父母婚姻暴力量表、自卑感量表、安全感量表以及亲密恐惧量表对710名大学生进行调查。结果:(1)目睹父母婚姻暴力经历、自卑感、安全感和亲密恐惧之间两两显著相关;(2)在控制了性别、成年前父母的婚姻状况、家庭年收入以及恋爱总次数后,目睹父母婚姻暴力经历能显著正向预测亲密恐惧;(3)自卑感和安全感在大学生目睹父母婚姻暴力经历和亲密恐惧之间的单独中介作用均显著,且自卑感和安全感的链式中介作用也显著。结论:本研究结果表明,自卑感和安全感能够为大学生目睹父母婚姻暴力经历对亲密恐惧的影响提供一个解释机制。     

Judgements of social inappropriateness in adults with Tourette's syndrome

Introduction. Socially inappropriate behaviour has frequently been reported in Tourette's syndrome (TS), but has not been studied experimentally. The current study was designed to examine the appropriateness of self-disclosures in TS using an emotional self-disclosure task.

Methods. Adult participants with TS-alone (20) and matched controls (20) were compared on two social judgement tasks, one examining the regulation of behaviour in an emotional self-disclosure task requiring participants to generate examples of autobiographical events, and the other examining mentalistic judgement of others’ behaviour on a faux pas task.

Results. Those with TS-alone and controls showed no group differences for judges’ or participants’ ratings of inappropriateness on the self-disclosure task, although only the self-ratings of the control group corresponded to the judges’ ratings. On the faux pas task, those with TS-alone were impaired relative to controls in detecting socially inappropriate behaviour. There was also some evidence of executive dysfunction in the TS-alone group.

Conclusions. TS-alone is linked to a mixed pattern of preserved and impaired performance on social cognition measures, and further work is needed to determine the contributions of social and/or executive contributions to everyday functioning.     

Personality,marital and occupational factors associated with quality of life

In three studies that employed community-based samples the relationship between personality, marital, and job-related factors and quality of life was examined. Study I indicated that hardiness and self-esteem were important components of overall quality of life. The marital communication skills of expressiveness and intimacy were identified as major aspects of overall quality of life in the second study. In Study 3, satisfaction with various job characteristics was related to overall quality of life. These studies start to provide definition to the quality of life concept in terms of personality characteristics, skills, and beliefs that have potential for modification.