Perceptions Of Intimacy Research Articles

Empathetic Pedagogical Agent: Mitigating Harmful Effects of Negative Feedback Through Self-Disclosure

Negative feedback can have detrimental effects on the students’ self-efficacy and learning experience, yet it is inevitable for students who receive low outcomes and need improvement. This study investigates the role of pedagogical agents’ self-disclosure in providing empathy for negative feedback. An online experiment was conducted asking participants (N = 183) to interact with a voice-based pedagogical agent in a between-subjects design: 2 (feedback: positive vs. negative) X 2 (agent: self-disclose vs. non-disclose). The agent instructed students on online learning tasks and provided feedback on their task performance. Our findings showed that the agent’s self-disclosure significantly increased students’ perception of intimacy and cognitive trust toward the agent. A significant interaction effect was observed in intimacy, suggesting that the role of self-disclosure is especially pronounced when negative feedback is provided. A significant mediation effect of cognitive trust was also found between self-disclosure and feedback acceptance.

Parasocial Interactions in Otome Games: Emotional Engagement and Parasocial Intimacy Among Chinese Female Players

This study conducts qualitative research on female players of otome games, exploring the mechanisms of romantic relationship formation within these games and their impact on perceptions of real-life intimate relationships. The findings reveal that the parasocial romantic relationships formed in otome games are not entirely detached from reality; instead, they are embedded in daily life through game interaction mechanisms and the players’ internalized imagination, thereby influencing the reconstruction of real-life intimate relationships. Female players show a high degree of acceptance and immersion in these romantic relationships, focusing on the emotional support provided by male characters. These relationships play a positive role in fulfilling emotional needs, regulating negative emotions, constructing self-identity, and redefining perceptions of intimacy. The intangibility of physical contact remains the only significant shortcoming, as perceived by a minority of players, pointing to a primary direction for the future development of otome games.

(057) INCREASING INTIMATE INTERACTIONS AS AN INTERVENTION FOR IMPROVING SEXUAL AND RELATIONAL SATISFACTION IN COUPLES

Abstract Introduction Intimacy is a critical component of satisfying romantic relationships; it is consistently, positively associated with sexual and relational satisfaction. While the cognitive perception of intimacy and related feelings of love, affection, and closeness are important, there is ample theory suggesting intimacy is more than a feeling. The central components of intimacy are love, affection, self-disclosure, and mutual validation, all of which include both behavioral and cognitive aspects of connection. The widely-accepted Interpersonal Process Model of Intimacy suggests that the exchange of intimate behaviors and experiences over time create subjective feelings of intimacy. As such, intimacy is most accurately understood as a critical agent in both the creation and maintenance of satisfying romantic relationships, not simply a byproduct of them. While intimacy is heavily researched in evaluations of satisfying relationships, it is almost exclusively assessed using an individual’s subjective feelings of intimacy. To date, little research has evaluated intimacy as a behavioral exchange between partners. Furthermore, extant research on treatments for relational and sexual dissatisfaction to date almost exclusively consider subjective feelings of intimacy as an outcome associated with increased satisfaction. Clinical research has yet to utilize intimacy as an active agent in the development and maintenance of satisfying relationships. Conducting research and creating interventions using the Interpersonal Process Model of Intimacy may allow for development of better couples’ interventions. Objective The current study aimed to evaluate whether intimacy, when conceptualized as a result of repeated, reciprocal interactions between partners, could be an active facilitator of satisfaction in relationships. By manipulating intimate interactions (e.g., kissing, sharing secrets, massages) between partners over time, the current study tested a potential self-directed, personalized, and affordable intervention for improving sexual and relational satisfaction in couples. Methods Couples were randomized to a treatment or assessment-only control group. In the treatment group, each individual within a couple rated intimate interactions that make them feel intimate with their partner from a previously compiled list of intimate interactions. Each individual was given a list of their partner’s highest rated intimate interactions and instructed to initiate one from the list each day for one month. Partners’ sexual and relational satisfaction were assessed over time. Results Data collection is ongoing; completion is anticipated by the end of January, 2024. Participants’ sexual and relational satisfaction will be assessed within each couple over time and between the treatment and control group overall. Conclusions The current study evaluates a potential intervention for improving relational and sexual satisfaction in couples. If effective, this treatment could be an accessible, affordable, and personalized treatment for couples. Disclosure No.

“And the House Burned Down”: HIV, Intimacy, and Memory in Danez Smith’s Poetry

Abstract Danez Smith’s [insert] boy (2014) not only bears witness to the intricacy of the intersection between queerness and Blackness in the United States of the twenty-first century, but also illustrates an overcoming of multiple forms of oppression through poetry. In Smith’s second collection Don’t Call Us Dead (2017), this experience is further complicated when a positive HIV diagnosis enters the equation. This paper wonders about the possibility of reading the speaker's account of HIV as following a narrative arc from anxiety to agency. With this idea in mind, and probing into issues such as intimacy, kinship, memory, and the notion of home, this paper presents a comparative analysis of Danez Smith’s poetry focusing on the metaphors used to explore the penetration of HIV into the body and the alterations this experience imposes on the perception of intimacy and memory.

The dynamics of experiencing psychological closeness in crisi

The article discusses the issue of possible dynamics of psychological closeness in the conditions of a long-term psychologically traumatic situation. The results of the empirical study illustrating the presence of gender differences in the experience and perception of intimacy in a couple due to subjective perceptions and personality characteristics of partners. The mechanisms of intimacy formation in the dynamic aspect (before, during and after the crisis) are highlighted. The possibilities of rendering psychological help to a married couple, aimed at working with anxiety in connection with the change and loss of habitual ways of satisfying the needs for jointness and autonomy are considered.

Nurses' models of spiritual care: A cross-sectional survey of American nurses.

Despite there being many models for how spiritual care should be provided, the way nurses actually provide spiritual care often differs from these models. Based on the premise that the way a person enacts their work role is related to how they understand that role, this study aims to describe the qualitatively different ways that nurses understand their spiritual care role. A convenience sample of 66 American nurses completed an anonymous, online questionnaire about what spiritual care means for them and what they generally do to provide spiritual care. Their responses were analyzed phenomenographically. Four qualitatively different ways of understanding emerged: active management of the patient's experience, responsive facilitation of patient's wishes, accompaniment on the patient's dying journey, and empowering co-action with the patient. Each understanding was found to demonstrate a specific combination of 5 attributes that described the spiritual care role: nurse directivity, the cues used for spiritual assessment, and the nurse's perception of intimacy, the patient, and the task. The findings of this study may explain why nurses vary in their spiritual care role and can be used to assess and develop competence in spiritual care.

ПРАКСЕ ИНТИМНОСТИ ДЕЦЕ У ПОРОДИЧНОМ ДОМУ

As the family home is a gathering place for the whole family and as it best expresses the ways of family communication, family cohesion, solidarity and the routine of family life, it is the family home that can reveal more about the practices of intimacy. The subject of this paper is the intimacy practices of children in the family home with the aim of revealing the influence of the spatial organization of the family home on the relationships between family members and intra-family dynamics. The basic research questions concerned the personal perception of intimacy, the ways of its manifestation, the experience of home and the relationship between personal and shared space, as well as the connection between space and emotions, which was contributed by the method of emotional maps.

The Perception of Intimacy: Are Dating Reality TV Shows Affecting Relationships?

A common theme that has emerged in relationship literature is the effect that TV reality shows have on determining one's perception and engagement in intimacy. For instance, the introduction of technology has shifted the way we participate in courtship practices. Now, individuals use mediums, such as dating apps, to find a partner and engage in intimacy. However, this discussion has ignored other mediums, such as TV shows, that center intimacy and relationships. In this article, we explore how the emergence of dating reality TV shows has shaped the way we perceive intimacy and engage in dating behaviours, answering the question: how are dating reality TV shows affecting relationships?

Beyond tingles: An exploratory qualitative study of the Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR).

This qualitative exploratory study investigated the embodied experiences and the meanings of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) from the viewer's perspective. ASMR research has been sparse and largely quantitative, assuming it to be a predominantly fixed physiological response of "tingles", despite the acronym being rooted in pseudoscience. A qualitative research design was adopted to facilitate the exploratory nature of the study in this under-researched area. In contrast to the mostly survey-based research on ASMR, this study employed semi-structured interviews as a means to understand the lived experience of ASMR and to promote participant agency. Six self-identifying ASMR consumers were recruited using a mixture of snowball and opportunity sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted both in person and using Skype to facilitate transnational data collection. Interview transcripts were analysed using an inductive, data-driven approach to thematic analysis. The analysis suggests that ASMR is felt to provide a social environment of comfort rather than a solely physiological-based experience. Three key themes emerged: who and what defines ASMR? (reflecting the variety of what was classed as ASMR and what content was consumed to produce the response); "real" intimacy tailored to me (reflecting the idiosyncratic perception of intimacy made possible through ASMR); and emotional relief on my terms (reflecting the role of ASMR in self-soothing). The present data reflect a rich, complex experience of the ASMR consumer, pointing to potential wider applications and informing further research.

Perceptions of intimacy and integrity in formal home care

ABSTRACT Sweden has a long tradition of providing social care and support to its citizens in their own homes through formal home care, delivered either by home care services or personal assistance. A majority of people given support by formal home care need assistance with personal and intimate care. The focus of this interview study was on exploring care recipients', care workers', personal assistants' and care unit managers' perceptions and experiences of intimate and personal care in the context of formal home care in Sweden. In total, 57 interviews were conducted with 42 persons. Three themes emerged in the analysis: Personal Hygiene, Personal Sphere, and The Contextual Variability of Intimacy. Interviewees described intimate care as being inseparable from a person's service needs as a whole. Highlighted was how caring for and washing intimate body parts, intrusion into recipients' personal spheres, and the need to preserve integrity vary depending on situational, temporal and relational aspects. To safeguard the care recipient's influence, integrity and dignity in the reception/provision of care work, home care services and personal assistance, it is important to raise awareness of the variation in perceptions of intimate and personal care in education and inhouse training.

Psychometric Properties of the Sexually Aggressive Behaviors Scale: Factor Structure, Reliability, and Construct Validity in a Sample of Portuguese Female College Students.

This study investigates the psychometric properties of the Sexually Aggressive Behaviors Scale (SABS) in a sample of 1,632 heterosexual Portuguese female college students, aged between 18 and 39 years old (M = 22.40; SD = 4.31). The internal structure of the scale was investigated, along with analyses of the internal consistency, and validity evidence in relation to external variables. Participants completed an online survey that was disseminated using Portuguese universities' mailing lists and social networks. Results supported a single factor solution consisting of 10 items. Evidence was gathered in favor of the internal consistency and convergent/discriminant validity in relation to other variables, such as rape myths, psychopathic traits, and perception of intimacy. This study adds to the evidence of the SABS being an appropriate evaluation tool with female college students, allowing the rigorous assessment of sexual violence as committed by community women against a reluctant male partner.

Where did you go?! Trans-diegetic address and formal innovation in Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s television series Fleabag

The article examines formal innovation, authorship and representation within Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s television series Fleabag (2016–2019). Through close examination of the developed use of direct address within the programme, in particular two key moments of trans-diegetic address, the analysis considers how, contrary to ontological assumptions, the adaptation of the theatrical ‘aside’, when converted for screen, can function to support, strengthen, layer and enhance aspects of a narrative, as well as help build performer/audience connectivity through perceptions of intimacy, authenticity and female agency.

Sex in Chemsex: Sexual Response, Motivations, and Sober Sex in a Group of Italian Men Who Have Sex With Men With Sexualized Drug Use

Most studies on chemsex focus on the health risks associated with the practice, whereas less attention has been paid to the perception of sexual gratification in men who have sex with men (MSM) who use these substances. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of chemsex substances on sexual response, motivations to engage in chemsex and the relationship with sober sex. Thirty-one Italian cisgender MSM involved in sexualized drug use were interviewed and transcripts were thematically analyzed. An ad hoc grid exploring sociodemographic data, chemsex sexual experience, motives, and relationships with sober sex was used during telephone-based interviews. Participants showed significant individual differences in how chems may affect their sexual experience. The most reported effects were an increase in sexual desire and subjective arousal, access to higher disinhibition, possible erection and ejaculation difficulties, significant extension of the sexual experience duration, and an intensified perception of intimacy and pleasure. All the positive outcomes of substances on sex creates a great curiosity around chemsex, which is among the primary motives to engage in chemsex for the first time. Over time, other motives may emerge, also connected to substance abuse and craving. Some men reported to be motivated by their partners and friends and to use chemsex to cope with depressive mood/anxiety symptoms, stress and sexual problems. Many differences were reported between chemsex and sober sex. Chemsex seems to embody the idea of transgressive and exciting sex, while sober sex is outlined as a more intimate encounter, that can be significantly affected by performance anxiety. These results offer some new perspectives that may add interesting information to the literature and be fundamental for future prevention and harm-reduction projects. Although this study is based on a small group of Italian MSM and the interviews were not audio-recorded, transcripts were consistent with scientific literature that considers it important to pay attention to the positive links between sex and substance use. The promotion of safer sexual behavior should contemplate an in-depth discussion and recognition of both pleasurable and distressing aspects of chemsex sexual experience, its motivations over time and perceived differences with sober sex. Nimbi FM, Rosati F, Esposito RM, et al. Sex in Chemsex: Sexual Response, Motivations, and Sober Sex in a Group of Italian Men Who Have Sex With Men With Sexualized Drug Use. J Sex Med 2021;18:1955-1969.

Talking About Sexuality in Gynecological Consultations: Mismatches Between Patients’ Expectations and Gynecological Practices

Many health authorities have recommended that gynecologists actively address sexual issues during their consultations. However, fewer than 50% of doctors raise questions related to sexuality during discussions about the patient’s medical history. This study focused on gynecologists’ and patients’ perceptions about introducing the topic of sexuality during consultations. Twenty-one semistructured interviews with gynecologists and three focus groups with patients were conducted in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The findings highlight a lack of knowledge about sexology in the medical curricula, as well as important mismatches between patients and gynecologists concerning the role of the gynecologist and the perception of intimacy and sexuality. I discuss several ways to overcome these mismatches.

Sexual desire and pleasure in the context of the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

This article explores both the sexual desires and pleasure in the context of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among gays, bisexuals and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Our main findings suggest that individuals were assuming notions of natural and unnatural sex, while these categories were linked to condomless sex, acquisitions of sexually transmission infections (STIs) and their perceptions of intimacy. Individuals also believed they could enhance pleasure and desire by acknowledging their inner subjectivity and societal positions associated with PrEP. We argue that the individuals play a positive and conflicting ethic towards sex while on PrEP.

P-02-75 EFFECTS ON SEXUAL RESPONSE AND MOTIVATIONS IN ENGAGING IN CHEMSEX ACTIVITIES IN A GROUP OF MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN (MSM)

Chemsex is referred to illicit drugs use (GHB/GBL, methamphetamine, and mephedrone) to enhance the sexual activity in Men who have Sex with Men (MSM). Most studies focused on the health risks associated to chemsex, while less attention was paid on the effects on sexual response and motivations to engage in this behavior. The current study aims to investigate how drugs used in chemsex might affect the sexual activity and which are the motivations encouraging men to use them. 20 MSM involved in chemsex activities (mean age = 38.6±12.4) were assessed with an ad hoc semi-structured interview between February and July 2019 exploring sexuality in chemsex. Interviews transcripts were thematically analyzed. Inclusion criteria were being cisgender MSM and having at least a chemsex experience in the last year. Participants showed significant individual differences in the effects of chemsex drugs on sexuality. The most common effects were an increase in sexual desire and subjective arousal, usually associated with a higher disinhibition and the presence of erectile difficulties. Some men reported a significant extension of the sexual experience (till 24-48 hours), with consequent delais and difficulties in reaching orgasms. Many participants highlighted an intensified perception of intimacy during chemsex. Regarding feelings and motivations, the increase in arousal and pleasure are the most frequent factors reported, followed by the possibility to lose controls and being considered as part of an intimate group/community. Some men reported to be motivated by their partners and friends and to use chemsex drugs as palliative for negative mental states and sexual/identity problems.

Intimacy perception : Does the artificial or human nature of the interlocutor matter ?

• Virtual counselors can be perceived as much intimate as human counselors. • The lack of social behaviors highly affects the perception of intimacy in humans. • Social expectations influence the perception of intimacy in humans and agents. Professional embodied conversational agents (ECAs) are increasingly present in society. Beyond these virtual agents’ professional expertise, they must have a social dimension to build long-term relationships with users. Interpersonal intimacy is at the core of the most gratifying social exchanges, and we claim that it could constitute a remarkable means to reinforce the social dimension of ECAs. This paper presents an experimental study that compares the perception of intimacy in human and human-agent interactions. Are nature and social expressiveness critical factors for the perception of intimacy? To answer this question, we created two corpora of videos showing a human or a virtual tourism information (TI) counselor using or not using intimate behaviors in the course of an interaction with a human tourist. Using the Virtual Intimacy Scale (VIS) designed in previous work, we asked observers to judge the intimacy level of the TI counselor during the interaction. We demonstrate that intimate behaviors expressed by the virtual counselor and the human counselor are equally perceived by participants, which supposes a common model of intimacy for human and human-agent dyads. Participants perceive the human counselor less intimate than the virtual counselor when having non intimate behaviors. We posit that humans and agents elicit different expectations regarding social abilities, which directly affect their perceived level of intimacy. Our work raises questions regarding the expression of social behaviors and questions social representations.

Reporting with WhatsApp: Mobile Chat Applications’ Impact on Journalistic Practices

Since its release in August 2009, WhatsApp has played a key role in the fast development and expansion of the contemporary polymedia environment within which humans interact with each other. Those in the media, and journalists in particular, have taken to this platform to use it as a way to share and receive information as well as to maintain regular, and sometimes more private, contact with their sources. The goal of this paper is to examine the incentives that underlie journalists’ decisions to turn to WhatsApp and the consequences that this mobile chat application has had on the newsmaking practices of reporters inside two Chilean newsrooms. Newsroom ethnography, including participant observation, is employed in this study to gain insight into journalists’ routines and their everyday usage of WhatsApp. The conclusions of this article suggest that the utilization of WhatsApp has impacted the relationship between journalists and sources both on a personal and professional level. New perceptions of intimacy and trust, camaraderie and obtainability, and temporality are observed among the journalists who use this application. These observations carry important professional and ethical implications for journalists navigating today’s media ecology, and show how technological and socioprofessional aspects are tightly interwoven.

Sexting within adolescents' romantic relationships: How is it related to perceptions of love and verbal conflict?

Although adolescent sexting often takes place within the context of adolescents' romantic relationships, little is known about how the behavior is associated with their relationship perceptions. This study addresses this gap in the research by focusing on the associations between adolescents' engagement in sexting and their perceptions of intimacy, passion, commitment, and verbal conflict within their current romantic relationships. We report on a survey that was conducted in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium among 657 adolescents (ngirls = 415; 63.3%) between 14 and 18 years old (Mage = 16.41; SDage = 0.94) who indicated that they were in a romantic relationship at the time that the survey was administered. We captured the dimensions of intimacy, passion, and commitment as defined by Sternberg's triangular theory of love. The logistic regression analysis revealed that engagement in sexting within a romantic relationship was significantly linked to higher perceptions of passion within the relationship. There was also a positive association between perceptions of verbal conflict and adolescents' engagement in sexting. No differences were found with regards to commitment and intimacy when comparing those who engaged in sexting and those who did not. The results suggest that associations between sexting and relationship satisfaction are limited, and that sending sexts could function as a way to express feelings among adolescents who have a need for sexual and physical proximity within their romantic relationships.

Being on the same wavelength: Behavioral synchrony between partners and its influence on the experience of intimacy

Although coordination between partners has been considered in the clinical literature as an indication of intimate relationships, the influence of simple motor synchrony on the experience of intimacy has not been established yet. Four studies examined whether synchrony, temporal alignment of simple motor periodic behaviors between partners, instilled a sense of intimacy. In Study 1, same-sex strangers discussed positive or neutral events while their motion synchrony and experiences of intimacy were measured. In Study 2, same-sex strangers pedaled bicycles in either synchronous or asynchronous rhythms while discussing personal events and then rated how intimate they felt. Studies 3 and 4 examined whether the effect of synchronization would generalize to perceptions of intimacy and desire among romantically involved heterosexual participants. Results showed that key aspects of intimacy were associated with synchrony or were higher following synchronized versus unsynchronized interactions, suggesting that synchrony serves as a nonverbal mechanism that promotes closeness in intimate situations.