Unit Ten Virtual Lecture

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Unit Ten Virtual Lecture

• Intimacy and Distance in Relationships

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What is Intimacy?

• Webster's definition
• close union, contact, association or
  acquaintance with another

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Dimensions of Intimacy

• Emotional
• Physical
• Intellectual
• Shared Activities

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Dimensions of Distance

• Withdrawal
• Avoidance
• Being Reserved
• Shortening interaction
• Restricting topics
• Deception

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Influences on Intimacy

• Gender Male vs. Female styles
• Cultural Influences

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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.

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What are the benefits of self-disclosure?

• Catharsis
• Self-clarification
• Self-Validation
• Reciprocity
• Impression Formation
• Relationship Enhancement
• Moral Obligation
• Social Influence
• Self-Defense

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Risks of Self Disclosure

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

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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

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Other Alternatives

• Equivocation
• Hinting

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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?

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End of Unit 10

• The end

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