The link between the pursuit of intimacy goals and satisfaction in close same-sex friendships: An examination of the underlying processes

Abstract

This research examines whether individuals who are strongly focused on the pursuit of intimacy in their close same-sex friendships structure and interact in these relationships in distinct ways, and thereby experience greater relationship satisfaction. Study 1 examines the association between the pursuit of intimacy goals and patterns of interaction (e.g., time spent, social support exchanged, self-disclosure) as well as the perception of one’s friend’s goals. Findings indicate that individuals with a strong focus on intimacy in friendships exchange high levels of social support and self-disclosure with their close friend, and see their friend as sharing their focus on intimacy. Study 2 examines the influence of intimacy goals on strategies for conflict resolution, and indicates that those with a focus on intimacy choose constructive methods of resolving conflict. Both studies also provide mediational analyses demonstrating that those with a strong focus on intimacy goals experience high levels of satisfaction at least in part because they interact in their close friendships in distinct ways. The discussion focuses on the theoretical and applied implications of these findings.