The interpersonal process model of intimacy: The role of self-disclosure, partner disclosure, and partner responsiveness in interactions between breast cancer patients and their partners Journal Article


Authors: Manne, S.; Rini, C.; Goldstein, L.; Ostroff, J.; Fox, K.; Grana, G.
Article Title: The interpersonal process model of intimacy: The role of self-disclosure, partner disclosure, and partner responsiveness in interactions between breast cancer patients and their partners
Abstract: This study evaluated H. Reis and P. Shaver's (1988) interpersonal process model of intimacy in a sample of 98 women with breast cancer and their partners. Couples engaged in two discussions and rated self- and partner disclosure, perceived partner responsiveness, and intimacy experienced. A mediational model was tested in which partner responsiveness mediated the association between disclosure and intimacy. For patients, perceived responsiveness partially mediated the association between partner disclosure and intimacy, but self-disclosure was not significantly associated with responsiveness or intimacy. For partners, perceived responsiveness mediated the association between self-disclosure and perceived partner disclosure and intimacy. For breast cancer patients, partner disclosure predicted patient feelings of intimacy, because this type of disclosure was associated with greater feelings of acceptance, understanding, and caring. These findings may have implications for interventions to improve relationship closeness among couples coping with breast cancer.
Keywords: adult; aged; middle aged; breast cancer; attitude to health; breast neoplasms; psychological aspect; sexuality; breast tumor; communication; interpersonal communication; human relation; sexual partners; interpersonal relations; self disclosure; humans; human; female; article; intimacy processes; marital communication; marital intimacy; relationship closeness
Journal Title: Journal of Family Psychology
Volume: 18
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0893-3200
Publisher: American Psychological Association  
Date Published: 2004-12-01
Start Page: 589
End Page: 599
Language: English
DOI: 10.1037/0893-3200.18.4.589
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 15598164
DOI/URL:
Notes: J. Fam. Psychol. -- Cited By (since 1996):66 -- Export Date: 16 June 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Jamie S Ostroff
    342 Ostroff