Communication and Courtship
Geographic Distance and Communication during Courtship
This study examines how geographic separation during courtship is related to relational
communication. Utilizing interdependence theory, we argue that the unique situational features
of long-distance relating manifest themselves in the nature of dating partners’ talk. Tested are the
hypotheses that long-distance dating relationship (LDDR) partners, relative to geographically-
close dating relationship (GCDR) partners, enact more intimacy-focused talk, more conflict and
topic avoidance, more selective positive self-presentation, and less discussion of important
premarital topics.
Interdependence Theory, Situations, and Interaction
Interdependence theory explicates the factors that influence relational behavior and
relational continuance or dissolution over time (Thibaut & Kelley, 1959). Rusbult and Van
Lange (2003) suggested interdependence theory be regarded as “a school of thought that
provides the concepts, logic, and tools for analyzing, predicting, and explaining interaction and
relationships” (p. 369). Interdependence theory guided some of the early work on long-distance
relationships and communication. Stephen (1984, 1986), for instance, proposed that because
long-distance couples’ interaction occurred at a greater financial cost and had lower “channel
capacity” (p. 198) than proximal couples’ interaction, communication frequency played an
especially critical role in distant partners’ meaning construction. Also operating from
interdependence theory, Le and Agnew (2001) examined the mutual dependency of distant and
proximal partners and the link between need fulfillment and positive emotions. Le and Agnew
found that, for both groups, individuals who perceived an equality of dependence expressed
more positive emotions that those reporting inequality of dependence. Conversely, Le and
Agnew found that when dependence was conceptualized as need fulfillment the association with
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Convention