The Interpersonal Process Model of Intimacy

This chapter discusses the interpersonal process model of intimacy which is designed to integrate many of the perspectives into a process-oriented explanation of how interactions can promote or impair intimacy. It shows that this model is well suited to fostering clinical insights and potential intervention strategies. The chapter deals with the model's central features, emphasizing conceptual principles and supporting research. The intimacy process model (IPM) seeks to explain how interactions of a deeply personal nature facilitate the development, maintenance, or deterioration of intimacy. The IPM views the significance of self-disclosure mostly as an eliciting opportunity for the partner responsiveness. The IPM suggests several points of entry, including both individual factors— the traits, needs, goals, skills, and personal histories that affect behavior and guide perception— and the interaction patterns that provide or inhibit responsiveness. The chapter concludes with a brief comment about the role of intimacy in marital relationships.