Intimate Relationships Exam
Bank 2026-2027
University/College: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Department of Psychology
Subject: Psychology of Intimate Relationships / Close Relationships
Course Code: PSYCH 150 – Intimate Relationships
EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE
Based on standard undergraduate curricula in relationship science (Miller, Bradbury & Karney,
etc.):
1. The Building Blocks of Relationships – Nature and importance, need to belong, culture,
gender, individual differences
2. Attraction – Proximity, physical attractiveness, similarity, reciprocity
3. Social Cognition – First impressions, idealization, attributions, expectations
4. Communication – Nonverbal, verbal, self-disclosure, effective communication patterns
5. Friendship – Development, gender differences, friendship across the lifespan
6. Love and Romantic Relationships – Types of love, triangular theory, passionate vs.
companionate love
7. Sexuality – Sexual attitudes, behavior, communication, sexual satisfaction
8. Stresses and Strains – Conflict, jealousy, deception, betrayal
9. Power and Violence – Power dynamics, control, intimate partner violence
10. Relationship Dissolution and Maintenance – Breakup processes, coping, maintaining
relationships
SECTION A: THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF RELATIONSHIPS (Questions 1-25)
Question 1
One primary reason why solitary confinement may be so difficult is that it interferes with the
satisfaction of our:
A) Social needs
B) Need for acceptance
C) Esteem needs
D) Physical needs
,Answer: A
Explanation: Humans have a fundamental "need to belong" — a pervasive drive to form and
maintain at least a minimum quantity of lasting, positive, and significant interpersonal
relationships. Solitary confinement disrupts this basic social need.
Question 2
Which of the following is NOT one of the ways in which casual relationships differ from intimate
relationships?
A) Interdependence
B) Knowledge
C) Mutuality
D) Honesty
Answer: D
Explanation: Intimate relationships are characterized by knowledge, interdependence, caring,
trust, responsiveness, mutuality, and commitment. Honesty is not a defining feature that
distinguishes intimate from casual relationships, as casual relationships can also involve
honesty.
Question 3
Sarah reveals to her boyfriend that she and her father are estranged. Which characteristic of
intimate relationships is illustrated by this statement?
A) Mutuality
B) Care
C) Knowledge
D) Commitment
Answer: C
Explanation: Knowledge is a key characteristic of intimate relationships. Intimate partners have
extensive, private, and confidential knowledge about each other. When Sarah shares personal
information about her family, she is increasing the depth of knowledge in their relationship.
Question 4
Jorge believes that he and his partner Suzie will be together forever. He invests a lot of time in
their relationship. Which characteristic of intimate relationships is illustrated?
A) Responsiveness
B) Trust
,C) Knowledge
D) Commitment
Answer: D
Explanation: Commitment is the characteristic of intimate relationships that involves the
expectation that the partnership will continue indefinitely and the investment of time and effort
into the relationship. Jorge's belief and investment demonstrate commitment.
Question 5
Researchers ask Chris to describe his relationship with his partner by choosing a pair of
overlapping circles that best describes the closeness in their relationship. Which component of
intimate relationships is being assessed?
A) Mutuality
B) Knowledge
C) Responsiveness
D) Commitment
Answer: A
Explanation: Mutuality refers to the degree to which partners see themselves as "us" rather than
"me" and "you." The overlapping circles technique (the Inclusion of Other in the Self scale)
directly measures this sense of mutual inclusion and closeness.
Question 6
We generally expect intimate relationships to be characterized by all of the following
expectations EXCEPT:
A) Your partner will not unduly hurt you
B) Your partnership will continue indefinitely
C) Your partner will treat you fairly and honorably
D) Your partner will stay the same
Answer: D
Explanation: We expect intimate partners to be caring, fair, and committed to the continuation of
the relationship. However, we do not generally expect partners to stay the same; people change
over time, and relationships evolve.
Question 7
Pauline and Hugh begin to address themselves as "us" rather than "I" and "he/she." This
change reflects the development of:
, A) Dependency
B) Self-esteem
C) Singlism
D) Mutuality
Answer: D
Explanation: Mutuality is the shift from thinking of oneself as an individual to thinking of oneself
as part of a pair or couple. When partners use "us" language, they are demonstrating the
cognitive merging that characterizes intimate relationships.
Question 8
Which of the following is NOT a defining element of an intimate relationship?
A) Mutual influence between partners
B) Considering the partner unique
C) Knowledge
D) Physical dependence
Answer: D
Explanation: Intimate relationships are defined by mutual influence, knowledge, caring, trust,
responsiveness, mutuality, and commitment. Physical dependence is not a defining element;
intimate relationships can exist without physical dependency.
Question 9
According to the textbook, what is the fundamental human need that drives us to form intimate
relationships?
A) Need for power
B) Need to belong
C) Need for achievement
D) Need for self-actualization
Answer: B
Explanation: The "need to belong" is a fundamental human motivation to form and maintain
lasting, positive, and significant interpersonal relationships. This need is thought to have
evolutionary origins and is essential for survival and well-being.
Question 10
Which statement about the influence of intimate relationships on well-being is TRUE?
A) Relationship status has no effect on happiness
Bank 2026-2027
University/College: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Department of Psychology
Subject: Psychology of Intimate Relationships / Close Relationships
Course Code: PSYCH 150 – Intimate Relationships
EXAM CONTENT OUTLINE
Based on standard undergraduate curricula in relationship science (Miller, Bradbury & Karney,
etc.):
1. The Building Blocks of Relationships – Nature and importance, need to belong, culture,
gender, individual differences
2. Attraction – Proximity, physical attractiveness, similarity, reciprocity
3. Social Cognition – First impressions, idealization, attributions, expectations
4. Communication – Nonverbal, verbal, self-disclosure, effective communication patterns
5. Friendship – Development, gender differences, friendship across the lifespan
6. Love and Romantic Relationships – Types of love, triangular theory, passionate vs.
companionate love
7. Sexuality – Sexual attitudes, behavior, communication, sexual satisfaction
8. Stresses and Strains – Conflict, jealousy, deception, betrayal
9. Power and Violence – Power dynamics, control, intimate partner violence
10. Relationship Dissolution and Maintenance – Breakup processes, coping, maintaining
relationships
SECTION A: THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF RELATIONSHIPS (Questions 1-25)
Question 1
One primary reason why solitary confinement may be so difficult is that it interferes with the
satisfaction of our:
A) Social needs
B) Need for acceptance
C) Esteem needs
D) Physical needs
,Answer: A
Explanation: Humans have a fundamental "need to belong" — a pervasive drive to form and
maintain at least a minimum quantity of lasting, positive, and significant interpersonal
relationships. Solitary confinement disrupts this basic social need.
Question 2
Which of the following is NOT one of the ways in which casual relationships differ from intimate
relationships?
A) Interdependence
B) Knowledge
C) Mutuality
D) Honesty
Answer: D
Explanation: Intimate relationships are characterized by knowledge, interdependence, caring,
trust, responsiveness, mutuality, and commitment. Honesty is not a defining feature that
distinguishes intimate from casual relationships, as casual relationships can also involve
honesty.
Question 3
Sarah reveals to her boyfriend that she and her father are estranged. Which characteristic of
intimate relationships is illustrated by this statement?
A) Mutuality
B) Care
C) Knowledge
D) Commitment
Answer: C
Explanation: Knowledge is a key characteristic of intimate relationships. Intimate partners have
extensive, private, and confidential knowledge about each other. When Sarah shares personal
information about her family, she is increasing the depth of knowledge in their relationship.
Question 4
Jorge believes that he and his partner Suzie will be together forever. He invests a lot of time in
their relationship. Which characteristic of intimate relationships is illustrated?
A) Responsiveness
B) Trust
,C) Knowledge
D) Commitment
Answer: D
Explanation: Commitment is the characteristic of intimate relationships that involves the
expectation that the partnership will continue indefinitely and the investment of time and effort
into the relationship. Jorge's belief and investment demonstrate commitment.
Question 5
Researchers ask Chris to describe his relationship with his partner by choosing a pair of
overlapping circles that best describes the closeness in their relationship. Which component of
intimate relationships is being assessed?
A) Mutuality
B) Knowledge
C) Responsiveness
D) Commitment
Answer: A
Explanation: Mutuality refers to the degree to which partners see themselves as "us" rather than
"me" and "you." The overlapping circles technique (the Inclusion of Other in the Self scale)
directly measures this sense of mutual inclusion and closeness.
Question 6
We generally expect intimate relationships to be characterized by all of the following
expectations EXCEPT:
A) Your partner will not unduly hurt you
B) Your partnership will continue indefinitely
C) Your partner will treat you fairly and honorably
D) Your partner will stay the same
Answer: D
Explanation: We expect intimate partners to be caring, fair, and committed to the continuation of
the relationship. However, we do not generally expect partners to stay the same; people change
over time, and relationships evolve.
Question 7
Pauline and Hugh begin to address themselves as "us" rather than "I" and "he/she." This
change reflects the development of:
, A) Dependency
B) Self-esteem
C) Singlism
D) Mutuality
Answer: D
Explanation: Mutuality is the shift from thinking of oneself as an individual to thinking of oneself
as part of a pair or couple. When partners use "us" language, they are demonstrating the
cognitive merging that characterizes intimate relationships.
Question 8
Which of the following is NOT a defining element of an intimate relationship?
A) Mutual influence between partners
B) Considering the partner unique
C) Knowledge
D) Physical dependence
Answer: D
Explanation: Intimate relationships are defined by mutual influence, knowledge, caring, trust,
responsiveness, mutuality, and commitment. Physical dependence is not a defining element;
intimate relationships can exist without physical dependency.
Question 9
According to the textbook, what is the fundamental human need that drives us to form intimate
relationships?
A) Need for power
B) Need to belong
C) Need for achievement
D) Need for self-actualization
Answer: B
Explanation: The "need to belong" is a fundamental human motivation to form and maintain
lasting, positive, and significant interpersonal relationships. This need is thought to have
evolutionary origins and is essential for survival and well-being.
Question 10
Which statement about the influence of intimate relationships on well-being is TRUE?
A) Relationship status has no effect on happiness
