A Study of the Relationship Between Fear of Intimacy and Gender

The purpose of this study was to explore the similarities and/or differences in intimacy for males and females in a close intimate relationship. The Fear of lntimacy Scale (FIS), a 35 item self report questionnaire measuring past and current intimate relationships, was administered and general demographic data was obtained including: sex, age, race, marital status, and educational level. Out of 111 packets distributed, data from 60 participants (males = 30, females= 30) between the ages of l 9-39 was collected and analyzed. Results indicated there was no significant difference of fear of intimacy between males and females, a conflicting finding in comparison to the review of the literature. Further research is needed to determine the influences of ethnicity, career and role changes for men and women in today\u27s society, and its effects on intimacy