Sex and Relationship
Social Penetration Theory
The concept of social penetration suggests that relationships improves, interpersonal communication shifts from shallow which is a non level of intimacy to the most deeper level of intimacy (Amichai-Hamburger, 2013). The theory holds that the procedure occurs primarily via self disclosure and the development of closeness occurs when individuals are able to move in orderly and gradual mode to intimate levels from superficial levels. This is through the exchange which is the combination of functions of both forecast and immediate impacts. Vulnerability of one individual can result in development of closeness through developing self disclosure which is the main route of the concept of social penetration (Amichai-Hamburger, 2013).
According to the social penetration concept as relationships improves they enter into deeper aspects which are both personal and private matters. This therefore results in opening for vulnerability to occur and this necessitate trust to be fully developed along the way. The social penetration in relationships is achieved through the penetration of different stages (Amichai-Hamburger, 2013). Social penetration in relationships therefore begins with the orientation phase. In this stage individuals play safe in regard to keeping simple talks and activities which are referred to be essential in earning loyalty. This involves the utilization of life standards which are regarded as appropriate life norms. In this stage the partners are involved in classified penetration which does not display much information. Exploratory affective phase follows where partners begin to show themselves through expressing their individual attitudes in regard to moderate topics like education and government. This may not be revealed with the general truth because individuals have not yet attained comfort ability in laying their bare selves. This is caused by that the opinions may hurt or not be impressing to the other and additionally because they are still searching for the better way forward for expressions. This stage can thus be referred as a casual friendship stage where individuals are still learning to live with each other. In most cases high number of relationships fails to exceed these phase. Affective phase is where individuals begin to talk more about their personal and private issues. This is achieved by the use of private idioms. In this stage individuals are comfortable expressing what they love or hate because they have achieved a way of expression and they are comfortable with each other. Arguments as well as criticism begin to arise because the thoughts and principles of one individual may contradict the other thus causing argument (Zeidler, 2009).
Additionally this is caused by the fact that the best forms of expressions have not yet be established because the relationships still depends on the efficiency of the casual friendship phase (Zeidler, 2009). At the stage intimate touching as well as kissing is bound to occur since individuals become too comfortable and this becomes as a form of expression on what they feel. However this may not be influenced by love but by the relationship that has been developed due to the friendship. The stable phase is where the relationship developed is in the plateau stage where private things are mutually shared and individuals are able to comfortably predict psychological and physical reactions of the other. This helps in handling arguments developed in regards to thoughts expressions. The last stage of the social penetration concept is the depenetration when relationships begin to break down and the involved costs exceed the reimbursements. This results in disclosure withdrawal which in turn leads to the relationship termination. This is because the relationship that had been developed before lacks meaning as what had initially be purposed is failed by the raising issues. This occurs when individuals are unable to share similar ideas comfortably (Zeidler, 2009).
The Graduate
From the film ‘’The Graduate’’ which was produced in 1967 as an American comedy social penetration concept is well illustrated. The film was acted by Bancroft Anne, Ross Katharine who acted as Mrs. Robinson and Elaine. The characters are utilized in depicting the major theme of the film which is isolation and its general relation to interpersonal communication in development of a relationship. The situation in the film would be different if social penetration concept was utilized and Benjamin would this not feel isolated. This would have changed Benjamin’s relationship. The clip is relevant in regard to the social penetration concept as it helps in illustrating how traction in relationships is crucial in maintain relationships.
The Triangular Concept of Love
Triangular love concept is a love theory that was generated by Robert Sternberg. In regard to the interpersonal context there are three love components in relation to the theory. Based on the triangular concept there components include passion component, commitment or decision component and intimacy component. The intimacy component is the phase which encompasses the attachment feelings, connectedness, bond and closeness. Passion phase involves the drives that are related to sexual attractions and activities as well as limerence. The commitment phase involves the short term decisions made by individuals in regard to remaining together as well as the long-term decisions that are made by the involved individuals (Coon, Mitterer, Talbot, & Vanchella, 2010).
In regard, to the attraction levels empty love contains full commitment but fails in having intimacy and passion. Attraction is therefore crucial in subconscious and conscious decisions in those that individuals associate with. This can thus be related a fizzled marriage where the partners believe in their vows sacredness. These individuals are therefore fully committed to the relationship that they share. However the individuals lack the capability of having fun as a couple and this therefore implies that they are not aroused sexually by one another (Coon, Mitterer, Talbot, & Vanchella, 2010).
The need of developing sexual attachments helps in developing relationships. This is mainly influenced by the perspective of attractiveness that brought people together. Therefore attraction cannot be grounded on the physical connection because love can neither be grounded on it. These areas can be termed as the measures of visual, emotional and cognitive aspects. The passion of love is the major component that fuels physical attraction in romantic relationships and the sexual integration desire. The thoughts of cognitive aspects generally refers to the conscious decisions ability of maintain the relationship and loving each other over period despite the existing issues.
Chasing Amy
The movie ‘’Chasing Amy’’ is clear illustration of love triangular concept. The movie is thus relevant as it shows the importance of attraction in regard to intimacy and the strength of maintain a relationship despite having different challenges. The movie clearly depicts that the level of attraction matters in ensuring that a relationship develops to different phases as a relationship is build by trust. According to the movie true love helps in overcoming arguments which are caused by the existing differences between individuals (Bathe, 1996).
References
Amichai-Hamburger, Y. (2013). The social net: Understanding our online behavior. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Bathe, J. O. (1996). Sternberg's triangular theory of love, attachment style, and relationship satisfaction.
Chasing Amy Official Trailer #1 - (1997) HD
Coon, D., Mitterer, J. O., Talbot, S., & Vanchella, C. M. (2010). Introduction to psychology: Gateways to mind and behavior. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiATQ04pH14
The Graduate (1967) - I have a date with Elaine------ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCa9vtTvQpE
Zeidler, C. (2009). Mobile support in customer loyalty management: An architectural framework. Wiesbaden: Gabler Edition Wissenschaft.
