Predictors of Intimacy for Women in Heterosexual and Homosexual Couples

Abstract

This study investigated individual differences in self-esteem, capacity for intimacy, relationship values and influence strategy use as factors in self-reported intimacy levels for women in homosexual and heterosexual couples. There were no differences by relationship type in levels of self-esteem, capacity for intimacy or in the valuing of relationship qualities. Women in both types of couples described their relationships as highly intimate and reported using Direct/Bilateral influence strategies most frequently. For both groups, higher levels of relationship intimacy were associated with more frequent use of Direct/Bilateral strategies and less frequent use of Indirect/Unilateral and Indirect/Bilateral strategies. Capacity for intimacy and self-esteem were strongly positively related to intimacy for women in same-sex but not cross-sex couples. The best predictor of intimacy for women in heterosexual couples was a negative one: more frequent use of Indirect strategies was associated with lower levels of intimacy.