Measuring Social Intimacy in Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Contexts

Abstract

A validation study of the social intimacy semi-structured interview, devised by Orlofsky, Marcia and Lesser (1973), was completed to establish predictive validity with self-reported loneliness, psychosocial intimacy capacity, and social interactions in same-sex and opposite-sex contexts. Twenty-three males and 25 females completed the intimacy interview, a loneliness scale, an intimacy scale, and the Rochester Interaction Record. Subjects were categorized using the intimacy interview into isolated, stereotyped and intimate statuses. The evidence suggests both divergence and convergence regarding expectations associated with predictive validity. The interview assessment showed strongest convergence with self-report scales measuring loneliness and intimacy capacity and weakest convergence with social behavior experiences.