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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Absence Makes the Communication Grow Fonder: Geographic Separation, Interpersonal Media, and Intimacy in Dating Relationships
Article first published online: 11 MAY 2013
DOI: 10.1111/jcom.12029
© 2013 International Communication Association
Additional Information
How to Cite
Crystal Jiang, L. and Hancock, J. T. (2013), Absence Makes the Communication Grow Fonder: Geographic Separation, Interpersonal Media, and Intimacy in Dating Relationships. Journal of Communication, 63: 556–577. doi: 10.1111/jcom.12029
Publication History
- Issue published online: 4 JUN 2013
- Article first published online: 11 MAY 2013
- Manuscript Accepted: 23 SEP 2012
- Manuscript Revised: 20 SEP 2012
- Manuscript Received: 26 APR 2012
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
Many people assume that it is challenging to maintain the intimacy of a long-distance (LD) relationship. However, recent research suggests that LD romantic relationships are of equal or even more trust and satisfaction than their geographically close (GC) counterparts. The present diary study tested an intimacy-enhancing process, in which LD couples (a) engage in more adaptive self-disclosures and (b) form more idealized relationship perceptions than do GC couples in the pursuit of intimacy across various interpersonal media. The results demonstrate the effects of behavioral adaptation and idealization on intimacy, and suggest that the two effects vary depending on the cue multiplicity, synchronicity, and mobility of the communication medium employed. Implications for understanding LD relating and mix-mode relating are discussed.
