Psychology 137C: Psychology 137C: Intimate Relationships Intimate Relationships Week 1, Lecture 1: Week 1, Lecture 1:

IntroductionIntroduction InstructorInstructor::

Benjamin KarneyBenjamin Karney Franz Hall 4560Franz Hall 4560 karney@psych.ucla.edukarney@psych.ucla.edu Office hours: Wed & Fri, 2:00-3:00Office hours: Wed & Fri, 2:00-3:00

Teaching AssistantTeaching Assistant Natalie CastriottaNatalie Castriotta Franz Hall Franz Hall A-243CA-243C ncastriotta@ucla.eduncastriotta@ucla.edu Office hours: Office hours: Wed. & Fri., 1:00-2:00Wed. & Fri., 1:00-2:00

The Smartest Man in the World?The Smartest Man in the World?

Albert Einstein (March 14, 1879 – April 18, 1955)

Einstein and Wife, 1911Einstein and Wife, 1911

Albert Einstein with Mileva Maric

Einstein and 2Einstein and 2ndnd Wife, 1922 Wife, 1922

Albert Einstein with his second wife, Elsa Einstein

The Power of The Power of Intimate RelationshipsIntimate Relationships

Who cares about intimate relationships? (Hint: Everyone.)

Intimate Relationships and Happiness

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Glenn, N.D., & Weaver, C.N. (1981). The contribution of marital happiness to global happiness. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 43, 161-168, Table 1 .

The Goals of this CourseThe Goals of this Course

After this course you should have:

Understanding of what scientists have learned about intimacy and intimate relationships.

Appreciation for the complexity involved in acquiring this knowledge.

Information to inform your opinion on current controversies and issues related to relationships.

What Makes A Relationship?What Makes A Relationship?

Interdependence

Dimensions of Interdependence

1. frequency of contact

2. duration of contact

3. diversity of different interactions

4. direction of influence (uni or bidirectional)

5. strength of influence

What Makes A What Makes A CloseClose Relationship?Relationship?

"The close relationship is one of strong, frequent, and diverse interdependence that lasts over a considerable period of time." (Kelley et al, 1983, p. 38)

What Makes An What Makes An IntimateIntimate Relationship?Relationship?

Recognizing the partner as special and unique; this is a personal relationship.

Desire, especially lust and sexual desire.

Is physical intimacy by itself intimacy?

Are intimate relationships the same as romantic relationships?

Why Intimate Relationships Why Intimate Relationships MatterMatter

Intimate relationships are universal. Fisher, 1989 Jankowiak & Fischer, 1992

Intimate relationships are powerful. Highest highs Lowest lows

Intimate relationships affect our health. Coan, Schaefer, & Davidson, 2006 Coyne et al., 2001

What Do We Want To Know What Do We Want To Know About Intimate Relationships?About Intimate Relationships?

The Longevity Question

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Years Married

What Do We Want To Know What Do We Want To Know About Intimate Relationships?About Intimate Relationships?

The Longevity Question

The Satisfaction Question

What Do We Want To Know What Do We Want To Know About Intimate Relationships?About Intimate Relationships?

The Longevity Question

The Satisfaction Question

The Change Question

What do we What do we need to need to know to know to understand understand an intimate an intimate relationship? relationship?

Course MaterialsCourse Materials Text

Intimate Relationships by Bradbury and Karney Families As They Really Are edited by Barbara Risman Both books available as a bundle at the UCLA Bookstore Copies are on reserve at Powell Library

Video clips http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/ssc/lederman/bradbury/bradbury.html#

Lecture slides

Announcements Make sure BOL has your correct email

Course GradingCourse Grading Exam 1: April 30th 30%

50 multiple choice questions

Paper: Due May 19th 30% Pick a topic of interest to you!

Exam 2: June 4th 40% 50 multiple choice questions Not cumulative.

Special extra credit option: Copy edit our book!

Comment on ExamsComment on Exams

Sample questions will be circulated before the midterm exam.

Review sessions will be announced before both exams.

No make-ups. If you have too many exams on April 30th and June

4th, change your courses now.

For Additional InfoFor Additional Info

Check out the Relationship Institute Check out the Relationship Institute at UCLAat UCLA www.uclarelationshipinstitute.orgwww.uclarelationshipinstitute.org

Follow us on Twitter!Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/UCLA_RIhttp://twitter.com/UCLA_RI