Understanding Cognitive Changes in Intimacy in Long-Term Romantic Relationships

Abstract

Individuals in Western societies generally look to their romantic partner to meet most of their intimacy needs. However, the level and the nature of the intimacy that partners share varies over the years and over the significant events they experience. Drawing from the literature, this is a review that integrates two approaches to understanding the cognitive changes in intimacy that occur over the course of long-term romantic relationships. It may be helpful for practitioners to teach partners how to identify their relationship-related cognitions and how to translate this greater awareness into the acquisition of new behavioral skills.