A Distinct Association: Inclusion of Other in the Self and Self-Disclosure

Abstract

The current study examined the relationship between inclusion of other in the self (a theoretically distinct conceptualization of relationship closeness) and self-disclosure. These constructs were also examined in association with relationship outcomes of satisfaction and commitment. Analysis of the data indicated that inclusion of other in the self and self-disclosure in a relationship were each significantly positively correlated with both relationship satisfaction and commitment. However, there was no significant correlation between inclusion of other in the self and self-disclosure. Further analysis of the data revealed that self-disclosure moderated the relationship between inclusion of other in the self and relationship commitment. Implications for understanding inclusion of other in the self as a distinct theoretical perspective of relationship closeness are discussed. A great deal of research has been conducted examining relationship closeness and self-disclosure, both separately and in relation to each other. Researchers have implicated self-disclosure in the structure, development, and prediction of closeness (Derlega,

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