Emotional intimacy is an aspect of interpersonal relationships that varies in intensity from one relationship to another and varies from one time to another, much like physical intimacy.[1] Emotional intimacy involves a perception of closeness to another, sharing of personal feelings, and personal validation.[2]

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 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.[3] 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.[4] 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 thoughts, feelings and emotions 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.[5] Conversation 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.[6] 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.[7] 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.[8]

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 the physiological and psychological well-being.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Dahms, Alan M. (1972). Emotional intimacy; overlooked requirement for survival. Internet Archive. [Boulder, Colo., Pruett Pub. Co.] ISBN 978-0-87108-184-1.
  2. ↑ Štulhofer, Aleksandar; Ferreira, Luana Cunha; Landripet, Ivan (2014-04-03). "Emotional intimacy, sexual desire, and sexual satisfaction among partnered heterosexual men". Sexual and Relationship Therapy. 29 (2): 229–244. doi:10.1080/14681994.2013.870335. ISSN 1468-1994. S2CID 144464466.
  3. ↑ Fernández-Reino, Mariña; González-Ferrer, Amparo (2019-07-27). "Intergenerational relationships among Latino immigrant families in Spain: conflict and emotional intimacy". Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. 45 (10): 1746–1768. doi:10.1080/1369183X.2018.1485205. ISSN 1369-183X. S2CID 150166694.
  4. ↑ Veit, Maria; Štulhofer, Aleksandar; Hald, Gert Martin (2017-01-02). "Sexually explicit media use and relationship satisfaction: a moderating role of emotional intimacy?". Sexual and Relationship Therapy. 32 (1): 58–74. doi:10.1080/14681994.2016.1193134. ISSN 1468-1994. S2CID 148390757.
  5. ↑ "Emotional Intimacy | Psychology Today". www.psychologytoday.com. Retrieved 2022-05-05.
  6. ↑ Goldsmith, Kaitlyn; Byers, E. Sandra (2020-07-02). "Maintaining long-distance relationships: comparison to geographically close relationships". Sexual and Relationship Therapy. 35 (3): 338–361. doi:10.1080/14681994.2018.1527027. ISSN 1468-1994. S2CID 150261173.
  7. ↑ Jurkane-Hobein, Iveta (2015-01-31). "Imagining the Absent Partner - Intimacy and Imagination in Long-Distance Relationships". Innovative Issues and Approaches in Social Sciences. 8 (1): 223–241. doi:10.12959/issn.1855-0541.iiass-2015-no1-art13. ISSN 1855-0541.
  8. ↑ Sinclair, Development and validation of the Emotional Intimacy Scale, ISSN 1061-3749, Vol 13.
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