Back off: Disapproval of romantic relationships predicts closeness to disapproving network members

Is the perception that a social network member (SNM, i.e., friend or family member) disapproves of your romantic relationship associated with perceived changes in emotional closeness to that person? This question was investigated using an online survey (N = 703). Participants reported their current closeness to a disapproving SNM, and retrospectively rated closeness before the disapproval and at the height of disapproval. As predicted, perceiving disapproval was associated with a drop in recalled emotional closeness to the SNM, with stronger disapproval associated with a steeper drop. Closeness recovered somewhat after the point of strongest disapproval, but not nearly to its original level. Analyses on a smaller sample of matched dyads (N = 42) suggested this pattern was identical from the SNM's perspective. The recalled trajectory was moderated by SNM group (i.e., family/friend) and by relationship type (mixed-sex/same-sex, and age-discrepant/similar-age, but not mixed-race/same-race). We discuss implications for those in close relationships and their friends/family members.