The Effect of Communication Quality and Quantity Indicators on Intimacy and Relational Satisfaction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the effect of communication quality and quantity indicators on relational satisfaction and intimacy. Individuals were asked to record all of their interactions with their same-sex friend or romantic partner on a daily basis for a week. A total of 79 participants took part in the study. Results indicated that communication quality indicators explained more variance in both relational satisfaction and intimacy than did communication quantity indicators; however, quantity indicators explained significant variance above and beyond quality indicators for intimacy. Regarding individual communication quality and quantity indicators, the communication quantity indicator of total time in face-to-face interaction related to experiencing intimacy in a relationship. The communication quality indicators of satisfaction with interactions, smooth, and activity related to experiencing relational satisfaction, as did the communication quantity indicator of the total number of face-to-face interactions. Conclusions are drawn regarding the impact of quality and quantity communication in close relationships.

A Social Relations Model of Everyday Talk and Relational Satisfaction in Stepfamilies

“…With a few notable exceptions (e.g., Emmers-Sommer, 2004;Finkenauer et al, 2004), most of the previous research on interpersonal communication and satisfaction has focused primarily on behaviors that could potentially impede healthy and satisfying relationships. Contrary to previous research, the present study highlights the extent to which seemingly mundane, everyday conversations also contribute to satisfying stepfamily relationships.…”

“…Although disclosure represents a more specific theoretical construct in scope than everyday talk, Finkenauer et al's research provides indirect evidence to suggest that the association between communication and satisfaction in families varies as a function of both relationship-specific and dispositional characteristics of individual family members. Moreover, communication quality and quantity indicators have been linked to relationship satisfaction (e.g., Emmers-Sommer, 2004), and thus, continued research delineating the communication patterns that foster healthy personal relationships and satisfaction in family relationships appears warranted.…”

Self-esteem reactions to social interactions: Evidence for sociometer mechanisms across days, people, and nations.

“…In a series of studies using the Rochester Interaction Record (RIR: Nezlek & Wheeler, 1984), Nezlek, Reis, and colleagues found positive associations between social interaction quality and indicators of adjustment, such as health (Reis, Wheeler, Kernis, Spiegel, & Nezlek, 1985), psychological well-being (Nezlek, Richardson, Green, & Schatten-Jones, 2002), reduced depressive affect (Nezlek, Hampton, & Shean, 2000), and relationship satisfaction (Emmers-Sommer, 2004). By comparison, these studies have found relatively inconsistent effects of social interaction quantity, with some investigators reporting 0 or even negative effects (Reis et al, 1985), whereas others reported positive effects (Emmers-Sommer, 2004;Nezlek et al, 2002). Part of this inconsistency could be explained by the types of relationships that are investigated.…”

Impact of Time Spent in Parents-Children Communication on Children Misconduct

“…Meanwhile, the children routine life is lined up with strenuous academic activities, thus making it harder for parents and children to catch up with each other. Back in the 1970's, the term quality time emerged when many mothers started going to study (Emmers-Sommer, 2004). They were told that quality time with their children is what matters more instead of the quantity of time (Lingren, 1998;Emmers-Sommer, 2004).…”

“…Back in the 1970's, the term quality time emerged when many mothers started going to study (Emmers-Sommer, 2004). They were told that quality time with their children is what matters more instead of the quantity of time (Lingren, 1998;Emmers-Sommer, 2004). Quality time refers to focused, uninterrupted time with partners, friends, or children where it should provide opportunity for meaningful conversation and the chance to do worth-while activities together (Lingren, 1998).…”