Are People Involved in InterCouple Dating Relationships More Intimate than Those in IntraCouple Relationships?

Are People Involved in InterCouple Dating Relationships More Intimate than Those in IntraCouple Relationships?

Alvin Sherman Library 2053

This research project explored the area of InterCouple dating relationships. InterCouple relationship is defined as a couple who hail from different religions, cultures, and/or races. Rates of InterCouple dating has been increasing, especially on college campuses. This study explores whether there is a difference in how individuals engaged in InterCouple or Intracouple relationships perceive their relationship in terms of intimacy. It is hypothesized that there will be a difference between these two groups on one or more scales of intimacy due to societal and/or personal expectations. Over 100 individuals participated in this study. The criteria for inclusion was to currently be in a six month heterosexual romantic re lationship and be between 18 and 25 years of age. All participants were given the Personal Assessment of Intimacy in Relationships (PAIR) scale (Olson & Schaefer, 2000). There was a good distribution of InterCouple and IntraCouple participants. The data was analyzed to determine if these two groups differed significantly in the area of interpersonal intimacy. Out of nine subscales of intimacy, only the current social intimacy subscale showed a significant difference. Implications of this research will be given.