Correlation between relational closeness and longevity.

Based upon research by Ellen Berscheid, Mark Snyder & Allen M. Omoto

Presentation By ; John Napier, PMP, DD

Based Upon; Berscheid, E., Snyder, M. & Omoto, A.M. (1989). The relationship closeness inventory: Assessing the closeness of interpersonal relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,

Investigation Genesis

• In season 8, Episode 3 of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon lauds the superiority of his relationship with Amy over Penny and Leonard using the Ellen Berscheid, Mark Snyder & Allen M. Omoto Relationship closeness index.

• Penny and Leonard are disturbed that there relationship is doomed because of the low score or closeness index.

• Contraindicating this was the personal observation that couples who were so close in college and married early seemed to be divorced. While couples that married after forming distinct personalities and individual interests are still married.

Popular Culture in Relationships

• Popular culture tells us that the closer a couple is in a relationship, the longer, more satisfying the relationship.

– http://www.cosmopolitan.com/content/quizzes/

– http://www.allthetests.com/quiz26/quiz/1255142589/How-well-do-you-know-your-boyfriend

– http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/Ro9_Hm/are-you-and-your-boyfriend-meant-to-be

– http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/5

Relationship Closeness IndicatorStudy Goal

• To develop a test of interpersonal closeness using operational definitions that can be assessed by self-report.

• Relationship closeness indicator developed by; Ellen Berscheid, Mark Snyder & Allen M. Omoto

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Key Operational Definitions

• Frequency: Number of hours and minutes spent alone with another person during waking hours (range: 0-1,200 min.)

• Diversity: Number of activities from a list of 38 that the pair spends together.

• Strength: The amount of impact (little to very much) one person has on the other’s plans.

Method

• Ask people to identify the person with whom they consider them closest.

• Using questionnaires determine closeness according to frequency, diversity, and strength.

• Take individual scores and create an overall index of interpersonal closeness.

• Sum scores and weigh each subscale equally on a 10-point metric.

Sample Questions

• Identification of person– Work: Which of the following best describes your relationship

with this person? (Check only one)__ co-worker __ your boss/supervisor __ your subordinate

• Frequency– DURING THE PAST WEEK, what is the average amount of time,

per day, that you spent alone with X in the MORNING?

Sample Questions Cont.

• Diversity– IN the past week, I did the following activities alone with X:

(Check all that apply)• __ did laundry• __ prepared a meal• __ watched TV

• Strength– Using the 7-point scale below, please indicate the extent to

which you agree or disagree by writing the appropriate number in the space corresponding to each item

• __ X will influence my future financial security• __ X does not influence everyday things in my life.

Results

• Test-Retest: Paired t-tests showed no significant differences between test 1 and test 2.

• Romantic relationships were closer than friends or family.• No sex differences• Highly significant differences between close relationships and not

close relationships• Satisfactory reliability and validity• This test provides information that spans different types of

relationships.• A correlation of scores between partners were shown, but not

extremely high.• Closeness is thought to be a major part of relationships and can

predict certain behavior.

Surprising Result

• There is a negative correlation between relationship longevity and closeness– Codependency increases the intenseness of the

relationship but does not extend the duration.

– Couples who have independent activities and interested had the longest and most enduring relationships.

The Relationship Closeness InventorySynopsys

Describes the development of the Relationship Closeness Inventory (RCI), which draws on the conceptualization of closeness as high interdependence between two people's activities

proposed by Kelley et al. (1983). The current "closest" relationship of individuals (N = 241)    drawn from the college student population served as the basis for RCI development, with the closest relationship found to encompass several relationship types, including romantic, friend,

and family relationships. The development and psychometric properties of the three RCI subscales (Frequency, Diversity, Strength), their scoring, and their combination to form an

overall index of closeness are described. The RCI's test–retest reliability is reported and the association between RCI score and the longevity of the relationship is discussed. RCI scores for

individuals' closest relationships are contrasted to those of not-close relationships, to a subjective closeness index, and to several measures of relationship affect, including Rubin's

(1973) Liking and Loving scales. Finally, the ability of the RCI to predict relationship break up is contrasted to that of the Subjective Closeness Index, an index of the emotional tone of the

relationship, and to relationship longevity