Interpersonal needs in middle adolescents: companionship, leadership and intimacy

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Authors
Bakken, Linda
Romig, Charles A.
Advisors
Issue Date
1992-09
Type
Article
Keywords
Comparative Study
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Citation
Journal of adolescence. 1992 Sep; 15(3): 301-16.
Abstract

Recent research suggests that, along with identity, intimacy is an important developmental construct during adolescence. Are there gender differences in current society regarding intimacy development? Two hundred and seven middle adolescents (70 males and 137 females) were measured using Schutz's (1958) Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Inventory (FIRO). The FIRO is a self-report survey which assesses the subject's perceived expressions and perceived desires in three categories of interpersonal relationships: Inclusion (companionship), control (leadership), and affection (intimacy). Results indicated that there were differences in expression of inclusion, control, and affection, and desire for inclusion and affection. A second analysis addressed the perceived ranking in importance of the three interpersonal categories measured. Males ranked control expressed highest and affection desired lowest; females ranked affection desired as highest and control expressed lowest. Both groups ranked inclusion desired and expressed as moderate. The current research suggests that gender differences in the development of intimacy may occur as early as middle adolescence.

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Publisher
Elsevier
Journal
Book Title
Series
Journal of Adolescence
J Adolesc
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
0140-1971
EISSN