Intimacy and Attachment in Adolescent Relationships

Abstract

From an attachment theory framework this study investigated the relationship of working models of self and other to the experience of intimacy conceptualised as a multidimensional phenomena. It was hypothesised that more self disclosure and increased intimacy goals would be associated with a positive model of other and that a positive model of self would be associated with greater levels of receiving disclosure and perceiving a partner to be responsive. Using a cross sectional sample of upper high school students (N=265) the results provided support for the view that the model of other primarily influences intimacy goals and self disclosure. Partial support was found for the effect of the model of self on eliciting disclosure from others and perceptions of partner responsiveness. The results are discussed in the context of multidimensional models of intimacy and adolescent psychosocial development