Family Intimacy

Background: The concept of “family intimacy” is a significant one in the fields of family communication,
psychology, counseling, sociology, and anthropology (to name just a few). The glossary definition of family
intimacy, a rather dry one I might add, is ‘a condition in the family developed through communication consisting
of the following dimensions: interdependence, presence, commitment, and devotion.’ I would add to that
definition the notions of verbal and nonverbal closeness and even warm connections mediated through
technology. There are different kinds of intimacy in family relationships and different families display different
levels of intimacy (from very low and almost nonexistent, to very high and the main source of meaning in
someone’s life). Read the following pages in preparation for your reflection: pp.172-202. Pay particularly close
attention to the declarations of commitment (p.180), positive absolute statements (p.180), private language
(p.181), messages of comfort and support (p.182), playfulness (p.182), nonverbal intimacy and sexuality
(p.183), and self-disclosure (183). Now, here is your second assigned reflection paper description:
Reflect on and think about the different ways that intimacy is expressed in your family of origin. Specifically
address 3 of the manifestations of family intimacy listed above and answer this question: “How satisfied are
you with the current displays of intimacy in your family of origin and what could possibly be done to strengthen
the feelings of intimacy and closeness in your family of origin?” When writing about levels of satisfaction
include levels ranging from "not at all satisfied" to "extremely satisfied." Many of you might be "moderately
satisfied" with the displays of intimacy in your family. Follow the same guidelines for your title page that were
provided to you in connection with Reflection Paper 1 on Boundaries. Including the title page, which is
numbered as page 1, your paper should be 3 to 5 pages long, double spaced with the pages numbered. You
do not need a reference list and use the phrase, "As Turner and West note on page 181…" in place of the more
formal in text citations. Be as specific as you can when you give ways that your family might employ to
increase positive manifestations of intimacy.