Intimacy Equilibrium Theory

The intimacy equilibrium theory , or equilibrium theory of intimacy (English: Equilibrium theory of intimacy ) is based on the assumption that a compromise is sought between an approach and an avoidance tendency in the interaction between two people, which represents the target value of the pleasantly experienced intimacy. The interaction is conveyed through different channels of communication such as eye contact, distance and expressive behavior (e.g. smile). Approach tendencies are triggered , for example, by striving for companionship . Avoidance tendencies go u. a. back to the fear of rejection. A deviation from the equilibrium creates a tendency towards a compensatory balance. The equilibrium theory of intimacy goes back to Argyle & Dean (1965) and Argyle & Kendon (1967). The arousal model of interpersonal intimacy represents a further development of the theory .

Individual evidence

^ Equilibrium theory of intimacy. In: Lexicon of Psychology. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, accessed on March 30, 2017 .
^ Argyle, M. & Dean, J. (1956). Eye-contact, distance, and affiliation. Sociometry, 28, 289-304.
↑ Argyle, M. & Kendon, A. (1967). The experimental analysis of social performance. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 3, pp. 55-98). New York: Academic Press.

[1] Equilibrium theory of intimacy. In: Lexicon of Psychology. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg, accessed on March 30, 2017 .

[2] Argyle, M. & Dean, J. (1956). Eye-contact, distance, and affiliation. Sociometry, 28, 289-304.

[3] Argyle, M. & Kendon, A. (1967). The experimental analysis of social performance. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 3, pp. 55-98). New York: Academic Press.