Anita Zbieg
Institute of Psychology, University of Wrocław
Aleksandra Słowińska
Institute of Psychology, University of Wrocław
Błażej Żak
Faculty of Computer Science and Management, Wrocław University of Science and Technology
Abstract:
The article describes a concept that attempts to integrate several sociological and psychological constructs of tie strength and relationship closeness. The concept infers strength of relationship between two people from: time spent in relationship, intimacy in relationships and similarity of partners. The concept as well as psychometric properties of the constructed Tie Strength Scale (TSS) have been verified in a study of 554 dyads. Research shows that the higher intensity across all three components of the tie strength, the stronger closeness measured by existing IOS and URCS Scales. Moreover, the study confirmed that the successive circles of acquaintanceship are characterized with the lower tie strength scores. Stronger social influence within relationships with higher tie strength scores have been also observed.
Keywords: tie strength, relationship closeness, circles of acquaintanceship, social influence, questionnaire methods
Cite this article as:
Zbieg, A., Słowińska, A., Żak, B. (2017). Strength of interpersonal relations: Introductory verification of the concept and measurement method. Psychologia Społeczna, 41, 223–239. doi: 10.7366/1896180020174109