Specifics of Closeness at Various Age Stages of Adulthood in the Contemporary World

Abstract

Introduction. The article discusses the acute problem of researching the specifics of close relationships between men and women at different ages. Changes in living space and context, as a sociocultural factor, affect the quality and dynamics of close relationships. However, relationships with the significant Other throughout a person's life are the most important resource for development, a factor in psychological well-being and a condition for socialization. The authors focus on dynamic changes in the parameters of close relationships, resulting from internal processes that take place against the backdrop of unprecedented changes in the modern world. The academic originality of the study lies in identifying the specifics of close relationships at different stages of adulthood. Methods. The sample included 558 adults aged 18 to 65 years (288 women, 270 men) of different age categories. The design of the study included the collection of socio-biographical information about the respondents; self-assessment of the degree of closeness and relationship problems; standardized methods to verify the main categorical features of close relationships. Results. In adolescence, avoidance of closeness is well seen. In early maturity, sexual, recreational, intellectual types of closeness with a partner are most pronounced, relationships are characterized by a high degree of involvement, positive emotional colouring, and are a resource for coping with the high uncertainty of the future and the stressfulness of the present. In the period of middle maturity, flexible coping develops, relationships are characterized by emotional ambivalence. At the stage of late maturity, relationships become more predictable, the importance of sexual closeness decreases, trust and mutual support come to the fore, and a high level of life satisfaction is achieved. Discussion. Age in adulthood predicts a decrease in indicators of sexual, intellectual, recreational closeness in relationships with a partner and an increase in indicators of social closeness, life satisfaction, and coping rigidity. Gender differences in the severity of the parameters of close relationships, characteristic of adolescence and youth, are levelled by the time of late maturity. It is concluded that there are age and gender differences in close relationships at different stages of adulthood.

Keywords

• adulthood
• age-related tasks
• close relationships
• type of closeness
• socialization
• attachment
• emotional experiences
• involvement
• resourcefulness
• support
• coping behaviour