The path to closeness: A mediational model for overcoming the risks of increasing closeness

Relationships are strongly influenced by the perceptions of how one’s partner feels about oneself, yet little is known about the nature of these perceptions or how they relate to outcomes. This study introduces a construct: perceived inclusion of the other in the self (IOS-perceived). IOS-perceived extends the “inclusion of the other in the self” (IOS) model to incorporate one’s perception of the extent to which the partner includes one in his or her self-concept. This article proposes a mediational model in which perceptions of partner satisfaction lead to IOS-perceived, which in turn leads to IOS. Two studies, one including an implicit measure of IOS, provide strong support for the proposed model.