Relational mobility and intimacy in friendships and romantic relationships: A cross-societal study between Canada and Japan

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  • Yamada Junko
    Graduate School of Letters, Hokkaido University
  • Kito Mie
    Graduate School of Letters, Hokkaido University Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
  • Yuki Masaki
    Graduate School of Letters, Hokkaido University Center for Experimental Research in Social Sciences, Hokkaido University

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  • 友人・恋愛関係における関係流動性と親密性―日加比較による検討―
  • ユウジン ・ レンアイ カンケイ ニ オケル カンケイ リュウドウセイ ト シンミツセイ : ニチカ ヒカク ニ ヨル ケントウ

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Recent cross-cultural research shows that North Americans feel greater intimacy toward their relationship partner than East Asians. The purpose of the current study was to: 1) attempt to replicate this difference; and 2) investigate whether the difference could be explained by a socio-ecological factor, namely relational mobility. In particular, we assumed societies high in relational mobility, where competition abounds in interpersonal relationships, intimacy should be adaptive, acting as a commitment device to strengthen relationships. To examine this hypothesis, we asked Japanese and Canadian participants about the level of intimacy they feel toward their best friend, romantic partner, and closest family member. We also asked them to rate the level of relational mobility in their surrounding social environment. The results indicated that, consistent with previous studies, Canadians reported feeling greater intimacy toward their best friend and romantic partner than Japanese. Moreover, this ­cultural difference in the level of intimacy toward a best friend was mediated by relational mobility.

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