Emotional intimacy is an aspect of
interpersonal relationships
In social psychology, an interpersonal relation (or interpersonal relationship) describes a social association, connection, or affiliation between two or more people. It overlaps significantly with the concept of social relations, which ar ...
that varies in intensity from one relationship to another and varies from one time to another, much like
physical intimacy. Emotional intimacy involves a perception of closeness to another, sharing of personal feelings, and personal validation.
Description
Emotional intimacy can be expressed in verbal and
non-verbal communication. The degree of comfort, effectiveness, and mutual experience of
closeness might indicate emotional intimacy between individuals. Intimate
communication
Communication is commonly defined as the transmission of information. Its precise definition is disputed and there are disagreements about whether Intention, unintentional or failed transmissions are included and whether communication not onl ...
is both expressed (e.g. talking) and implied (e.g. friends sitting close on a park bench in silence).
Emotional intimacy depends primarily on the degree of closeness, as well as the nature of the relationship and the culture in which it is observed. Emotional intimacy is different from sexual intimacy in that sexual intimacy can take place with or without emotional intimacy. Sexual intimacy differs from emotional intimacy because the latter often does not require any kind of sexual context. Emotional intimacy is a psychological event that happens when trust levels and communication between two people are such that it fosters the mutual sharing of one another's deepest selves. Depending on the background and
conventions of the participants, emotional intimacy might involve disclosing
thought
In their most common sense, the terms thought and thinking refer to cognitive processes that can happen independently of sensory stimulation. Their most paradigmatic forms are judging, reasoning, concept formation, problem solving, and de ...
s,
feeling
According to the '' APA Dictionary of Psychology'', a feeling is "a self-contained phenomenal experience"; feelings are "subjective, evaluative, and independent of the sensations, thoughts, or images evoking them". The term ''feeling'' is closel ...
s and
emotion
Emotions are physical and mental states brought on by neurophysiology, neurophysiological changes, variously associated with thoughts, feelings, behavior, behavioral responses, and a degree of pleasure or suffering, displeasure. There is ...
s in order to reach an understanding, offer mutual support or build a sense of community. Or it might involve sharing a duty, without commentary.
Deep intimacy requires a high level of transparency and openness. Closeness and vulnerability, which may be uncomfortable for some, are major pieces to emotional intimacy. This includes discussing both the positive and negative characteristics about one another.
Conversation
Conversation is interactive communication between two or more people. The development of conversational skills and etiquette is an important part of socialization. The development of conversational skills in a new language is a frequent focus ...
is a key point in every emotional intimate relationship. For example, a
long-distance relationship is mostly based on conversation, along with a good balance of virtual sexual intimacy. A long-distance relationship can be stronger, in comparison to a normal one, because it forces the two partners to enhance the conversation process by asking productive questions to ensure mutual communication.
There are great moments and also tough moments that come with any relationship. It is important to practice emotional intimacy in relationships and a lack of emotional intimacy could be solved by taking the time to be with your partner throughout the duration of your relationships. Many specialists suggest that talking about problems as soon as they arise is wise to continue emotional intimacy. Being honest, expressing appreciation, and routinely communicating also keeps stable emotional intimacy.
Emotional Intimacy Scale
The 5-item Emotional Intimacy Scale (EIS) is a scale which enables an evaluation of the emotional intimacy in a relationship. Its goal is to predict the different outcomes produced by the existence of an intimate relationship.
[Sinclair, Development and validation of the Emotional Intimacy Scale, , Vol 13.]
This scale is created with a study of different items which are fundamental components of an intimate relationship. Some persons need to answer to a questionnaire. They answer to judge the degree of truth of each of these components in comparison with their actual situation. There are five of them:
* This person completely accepts me as I am
* I can openly share my deepest thoughts and feelings with this person
* This person cares deeply for me
* This person would willingly help me in any way
* My thoughts and feelings are understood and affirmed by this person
These results are putting in correlation with specific values which characterize an individual such as psychological and physical well-being, social support, and health.
The results provided by the scale prove a positive relationship between an increase of EIS and an increase for the individual of social support, self-efficiency, life satisfaction and other positive effects. It also shows the negative relation between a decrease of EIS and an increase of stress, pain, and fatigue for the individual. An intimate relationship gives a sentiment of purpose and belonging which increases physiological and psychological well-being.
See also
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Emotional Intimacy
Communication
Interpersonal relationships
Emotion
Intimate relationships