Intimacy, love and sexuality Flashcards
How do children describe friendships?
Young children describe friends in concrete terms: Available playmate (they’re in my class, they live on my street), Have something tangible to offer (they invited me to their birthday party)
How do teenagers describe friendships?
Teenagers seek deeper connections: Someone with whom they can be intimate
Someone they can trust, who has similar values/attitudes, who is loyal and supportive
What is intimacy?
the emotional sense of attachment to someone whom one shares knowledge and a concern for each other’s well being. Often involves self-disclosure. It Can apply to friendships (i.e., platonic relationships) and romantic relationships
What is self-disclosure?
Process in which individuals communicate to others intimate information about their experiences and feelings
What is the emerging adulthood psychosocial crisis (Erikson’s theory)?
intimacy vs. isolation. Challenge: developing an intimate relationship without compromising one’s own identity.
What comes first identity or intimacy In Erikson’s theory?
Must know ourselves (i.e., formed identity). Identity –> intimacy
What is Sullivan’s theory?
Development as a series of stages
Stages reflect changing interpersonal needs and social relationships. Others’ feedback, acceptance, appraisal → helps construct self-concept
What is the first stage of Sullivan’s theory?
Pre-adolescence stage: need for intimacy
Gain sense of well-being by developing first close interpersonal friendship
Mutual caring, regard, reciprocity, and exchange between two equals
Provides confidence to give and receive intimate thoughts and feelings
What is the second stage of Sullivan’s theory?
Early adolescence stage: need for sexuality
Desire for close interpersonal relationship interacts with increasing romantic and sexual desires
Goal is to find a romantic partner who can also be an intimate friend
What comes first in Sullivan’s theory intimacy or identity?
Intimacy → Identity
So which one is it, intimacy first or identity first?
More complimentary than contradictory. Erikson: how to achieve end goal
Sullivan: process of how to get there
Reciprocal effects: Identity
How do people choose partners?
Relationships with people that are similar in:
Social characteristics (e.g., peer crowd status)
Demographic characteristics (e.g., SES, age, sex, culture, religion)
School-related attitudes (e.g., academic achievement, education plans)
Deviant behaviour (e.g., substance use, antisocial behaviour)
They become more similar and influence/socialize each other
What are the good things that romantic relationships typically involve in comparison to friendships?
More intense positive emotions, sexual activity, being cared for by partner, and having social companion for leisure activities
What are the bad things that romantic relationships have in comparison to friendships?
More intense negative emotions, more social constraints, emotional vulnerability, more conflict than friendship
What blurred lines may exist between friendships and romantic relationships?
Distinction not always clear.
Mix of relationship characteristics that are present/absent Friends with benefits, “Flirtationship”, “Your person”.
Different perspectives on nature of relationship (e.g., friend zone, unrequited love,
unreciprocated love)
What is the current prevalence rates for romantic relationships among american teens
7th grade: 17%
9th grade: 32%
11th grade: 44%
Why do the number of adolescent’s in relationships increase with age?
Hormones (emotions are more intense), cognitive maturity and oppurtunity
What are the top reasons for romantic relationships?
Recreation (fun, enjoyment)
Learning (becoming more skilled at romantic relationships)
Status (impressing others) Companionship (sharing activities with another)
Companionship (sharing activities with one another)
Intimacy (establishing a close emotional relationship)
Courtship (seeking a steady partner)
Sexual experimentation (exploring sexual activity)
What are the top 3 reasons adolescence engage in romantic relationships?
1) recreation
2) intimacy
3) status
What are the top 3 emerging adults engage in romantic relationships?
1) intimacy
2) companionship
3) recreation
What are the 3 fundamental qualities in sterberg’s theory of love?
1) Passion (Physical attraction, sexual desire, Intense emotions)
2) Intimacy (Feelings of closeness, emotional attachment, Mutual understanding, support, open communication)
3) Commitment (Pledge of enduring love, Sustains relationship through fluctuations in passion and intimacy)