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Closeness-Distance Scaling

Closeness-Distance Scaling
🌱 Resource activation 👥 Interpersonal

A weekly rating of the sense of closeness on a 1–10 scale by each partner. Tracking the dynamics, discussing differences in perception.

Step-by-step guide

  1. Each partner rates: "How close were we this week? 1–10"
  2. Compare the ratings — do they match? If not — where is the discrepancy?
  3. Ask: "What affected your rating? Was there a concrete moment?"
  4. Track the dynamics from session to session — write it down
  5. Discuss: "What is needed to lift the rating by one point?"
  6. Homework: in the coming week, do one thing that would lift the partner's rating

When to use

  • As a regular monitoring tool at the start of each session
  • To track progress

Key phrases

How close were we this week? 1–10.

Follow-up questions

What affected your rating? Was there a concrete moment?
What is needed to lift the rating by one point?
Different ratings are not a problem, but information.

Warnings

  • ⚠️ Do not turn the scale into a competition
  • ⚠️ Different ratings are not a problem, but information

Source: Jacobson, N. & Christensen, A. (1996)

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Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.