Final answer:
The phrase 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' is partially supported by some psychological studies that suggest absence can enhance a relationship's value, while 'familiarity breeds contempt' is generally contradicted by research which finds that proximity and repeated exposure foster fondness and friendship.
Step-by-step explanation:
Relationships and Psychological Research-
The psychological research on relationships offers insights into how absence and familiarity may affect personal connections. The phrase "absence makes the heart grow fonder" suggests that physical separation can intensify the feelings of affection. Indeed, some psychological studies, focusing on romantic love and attachment, have shown that periods of absence, by preventing satiation, can enhance the value of a relationship. However, this is not universally applicable and can depend on the level of commitment, security within the relationship, and individual's attachment style.
Conversely, the saying "familiarity breeds contempt" implies that close and frequent contact might lead to irritation and a decrease of positive feeling toward others. However, the bulk of psychological research, including the work of Festinger, Schachler, & Back (1950), contradicts this statement by showing that proximity and repeated exposure typically foster fondness and friendship as people become more comfortable with one another over time.
Research like the Harlow's experiments with rhesus monkeys have shown the extreme effects of deprivation of social contact, emphasizing the importance of social bonds and the potential harm that can come from isolation. More recent studies (De Vogli, Chandola, & Marmot, 2007; Moriceau & Sullivan, 2006) also reflect the complexity of human emotion and relationships, indicating that while closeness can sometimes lead to negative feelings, completely lacking social interaction can have detrimental effects on health and development.