How personality differences construct emotional intimacy in romantic couples

Details

Supervisors

De Mol, Jan

Faculty

Faculté de psychologie, logopédie, sexologie et des sciences de la famille

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences psychologiques, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

This dissertation represents an explorative qualitative research. Its’ main objective is to understand the subjective experiences of partners involved in a romantic relationship for no longer than three years and how they manage to construct their emotional intimacy in the couple. Perceived personality differences between partners will also be taken into consideration in order to see their role in the development of emotional intimacy. The theoretical part puts in evidence the fact that this topic is little studied to present. Although significant research is conducted on similarities and differences and on the importance of intimacy in the longevity of the relationship, there is no study that fills the gap between emotions and romantic relationships. Thus, they do not allow an understanding of the role of various factors in the construction of emotional intimacy in romantic couples. The concepts previously met in the literature were at the core of our interview guide. The objective of the interview guide was to conduct semi-directive interviews that aimed to respond to the research question “How personality differences construct emotional intimacy in romantic couples”. The empirical part targets in particular the in-depth exploration of the subjective experience of six participants engaged in a romantic relationship at the moment of the interview. The data was collected via semi-directive interviews and it was analysed through Thematic Analysis. After the analysis, five main themes have been identified. Findings suggest that individual traits, the self, personal attitudes towards the partner, the coexistence of differences and similarities and time are important factors that contribute to the development of emotional intimacy. Moreover, the coexistence of similarities and differences play a key role in how partners communicate emotionally and how they perceive each other. This balance between the two influences the satisfaction of the partners, which is a key role into the development of emotional intimacy.