Intimate relationships, like the individuals who participate in them, are conceived of as following developmental processes. Five dimensions of intimacy--that is, relationship orientation, caring-concern, commitment, sexuality, and communication--are identified, and an approach to assessing relationship maturity on each of these dimensions is described. In a study of 31 young married couples, scores on each dimension of intimacy maturity were analyzed in relation to gender, gender role (as assessed through an adaptation of the Bem Sex Role Inventory; Bem, 1974), and marital adjustment. There were no significant differences between husbands and wives on any of the intimacy or marital adjustment scales and only a marginal difference on one gender role scale (agency). Patterns of correlations among intimacy, marital adjustment, and gender role scores varied by gender. Not only do there appear to be two marriages (his and hers) in every marriage, but the correlates of these marriages also vary.

Intimacy maturity and its correlates in young married couples.

This paper provides a comprehensive methodological review of the literature assessing the relationship between marital satisfaction and communication. The investigations vary greatly in the adequacy of their assessment measures and soundness of their research design. Although it is generally concluded that both content and process communication are related to marital satisfaction, replication of the better designs is necessary. Specific findings and their practical implications for both future research and marital therapy are discussed.

The relationship between communication and marital satisfaction: A review

In the past few years there has been a relative explosion in the area of communication skills training. Clinicians, educators, researchers, and workshop leaders alike have increasingly focused on the importance of communication skills in establishing and maintaining the well-being of individuals and their relationships.

Communication Skills in Married Couples

Client expectations of counseling, its process, and the subject matter to be discussed have been mentioned repeatedly as important factors which may potentially influence treatment outcomes. Many clinicians (Hoch, 1955; Lazarus, 1971 ) have pointed out that clients enter counseling with certain expectations and that the effectiveness of treatment is closely linked with these expectations. In their detailed analysis of psychotherapy and the conditions conducive to behavior

Emile L. McMillan

Papers

Problem Build-up: A Description of Couples in Marriage Counseling