Behaviour of Lovers: Measuring the Closeness of Relationships

A list of the behavioural criteria of closeness in relationships is derived from a review of the literature. The criteria form the basis for the development of a self-report measure of closeness in relationships. Four studies using the Close Relationships Questionnaire validated the measure and support the contention that similar behaviour is involved in close same-sex friendships, closeness between mothers and their young adult children, and among married couples, both in the early stages of marriage and after 20 years. A scale is also developed to measure marital satisfaction. A high correlation between the Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Close Relationships Questionaire demonstrates a strong association between behaviour and satisfaction with the relationship. A model of change in relationships is offered.