Unit Ten Virtual Lecture

Intimacy and Distance in Relationships

What is Intimacy? Webster's definition:

“close union, contact, association or acquaintance with another”

Dimensions of Intimacy Emotional Physical Intellectual Shared Activities

Dimensions of Distance Withdrawal Avoidance Being Reserved Shortening interaction Restricting topics Deception

Influences on Intimacy Gender – Male vs. Female styles Cultural Influences

What is self-disclosure? Must contain personal information about

the sender. The sender must communicate the

information verbally. Another person must be the target of the

communication.

What are the benefits of self-disclosure? Catharsis Self-clarification Self-Validation Reciprocity Impression Formation Relationship Enhancement Moral Obligation Social Influence Self-Defense

Risks of Self Disclosure Rejection Negative Impression Decrease in Relational Satisfaction Loss of Influence Loss of Control Hurt the the other person Increased Awareness

Alternatives to Self-Disclosure Silence Lying

To Save Face To Avoid Conflict or Tensions To Guide Social Interaction To Manage Relationships To Gain Power To Protect Other Relationships

Other Alternatives Equivocation Hinting

Guidelines for Self Disclosure Is the other person important to you? Is the risk of disclosing reasonable? Is the self-disclosure appropriate? Is it relevant to the situation at hand? Is the disclosure reciprocated? Will the effect be constructive? Is the self-disclosure clear and understandable?

End of Unit 10

The end