On linguistic and social forms: Correspondences between metaphoric and intimate relationships

The present study compares metaphors and intimate relationships. It is argued that both may be viewed as relational and that both may be categorized into four distinct styles. Hypotheses addressing correspondences between the four linguistic and social styles were investigated in an empirical study. Twenty‐six couples completed a 48‐item Q— sort containing word pairs representing four types of metaphors. Couple members also completed measures of symbolic interdependence, adjustment/happiness, commitment, and agreement. A Q factor analysis assigned subjects to one of three relationship types on the basis of the types of metaphors chosen to characterize their relationships. Differences between the three types’ scores on the measures of relationship qualities provided validity for the assignment of types and for concluding that parallels exist between linguistic and social forms.