- The ways that we think about ourselves shapes and directs our interactions with others. If individuals have constructed a relational self-construal, then they should seek to develop and maintain close, intimate relationships. These relationships serve as the foundation for self-expression, self-verification, and self-enhancement.
- In several studies, we've found that individuals with a highly relational self-construal tend to will engage in the self-disclosure and responsiveness that leads to closeness and intimacy (Cross et al., 2000; Gore, Cross, & Morris, 2006).
- We are continuing to investigate the relational self-construal and close relationships, and we are extending this work to Taiwan, where we are investigating young people's representations of ideals and obligations in romantic relationships.
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