Exploring Relational Cultures: Rituals, Privacy Disclosure, and Relational Satisfaction

Abstract

Relational cultures involve unique relational activities and identities that manifest within symbolic practices (Bruess & Pearson, 1993). The association between rituals, privacy disclosure, and relational satisfaction were examined. Both time spent together and privacy disclosure affect romantic couples' perceptions of closeness and relational intimacy (Emmers-Sommer, 2004) and certain rituals foster the ongoing nature of the relationship (Bruess & Pearson, 1997). In this study, individuals involved in romantic relationships (n = 359) participated in an online survey. Couple-time rituals and idiosyncratic rituals accounted for a significant portion of the variance in romantic partners' disclosure. Relational satisfaction varied as a function of couple-time rituals, idiosyncratic rituals, and internal privacy orientation. Findings of this study illuminate the role of time spent and secrets shared in romantic relationships.

Keywords:

• Interpersonal Rituals
• Privacy Disclosure
• Relational Culture
• Relational Satisfaction
• Romantic Relationships

Notes

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Laura C. Farrell

Laura C. Farrell and Nancy DiTunnariello are Doctoral Students and Teaching Associates in the Department of Communication at North Dakota State University where Judy C. Pearson is a Professor.