The same difference : an examination of the gender differences in communication in intimately related couples

Abstract

This study examines communication patterns in interpersonal relationships between couples who have been together for at least one year. The first part of the study deals with the findings of numerous researchers. It is against this detailed information that this study has sought to discover various components in intimate relationships. Six couples were interviewed individually to ensure individuality. The study was carried out over January and February and March of 1998. The data was carefully collected after each interview, and examined in relation to the literature review. In chapter 1, a brief introduction is given about the subject of Interpersonal Communication and the particular area which shall be dealt with throughout the study. The following chapter deals with what has already been said and discovered in literature dealing with communication in intimate relationships. In chapter 3 the methodology used in this study was outlined. In this case, a Qualitative Study was conducted. Chapter 4 deals with the collection of relevant data. Each transcript was carefully analysed and the most important information derived. In chapter 5, which carries the analysis of the data, the findings were compared to the literature review following the various topics discussed in the review. A number of questions were categorised according to subject, and were dealt with as a whole issue and not as an individual question. Chapter 6 concludes the study by listing the main discoveries (communication traits that predominate and contribute to the couple's permanency) and suggests further research on the subject.