Closeness is an essential part of all human relationships, including those that are more intimate than others. It can be physical, emotional, social, and intellectual. When it comes to the latter, there is much debate about how people who are close to one another behave morally and what impact their feelings have on this process. Many researchers believe that closeness affects how people act towards each other because they feel less restrained when it comes to expressing their true thoughts and desires.
Some studies show that closeness has no bearing on whether someone will break moral boundaries or not.
One study conducted by Dr. John Money and his colleagues found that couples who were asked to hold hands for several minutes before being presented with ethically questionable scenarios did not differ significantly from those who held hands while watching neutral footage. This suggests that physical contact does not necessarily make people behave immorally. Similarly, researchers have shown that people who share an interest in sex tend to be more likely to cheat but that shared interests do not always lead to infidelity. In other words, while closeness may influence behavior, it's not the sole factor behind why people do things like cheating or acting unethically.
Another way closeness influences people is through the way they respond emotionally. According to psychologist Dr. Helen Fisher, people who are very close to each other are better able to regulate their own emotions due to a heightened awareness of the other person's needs. They also experience higher levels of oxytocin, which helps them bond and connect. This chemical can promote trust between partners and increase intimacy.
Closeness may make individuals more open to new experiences and encourage risk-taking.
There are drawbacks to intimate relationships as well. People who become too close may become codependent or rely on one another excessively. They may also feel jealous or possessive if their partner shows affection towards others outside of the relationship.
Some studies suggest that closeness can diminish creativity and innovation because people don't want to rock the boat by making changes or challenging status quo beliefs within the relationship.
Closeness plays a complex role in how we act morally and emotionally with our loved ones. It doesn't guarantee good behavior or prevent bad behavior, but it does seem to help us regulate our feelings and understand one another better.
How does intimate closeness regulate emotional responses and ethical behavior in committed partnerships?
Research suggests that intimate closeness may play a significant role in regulating emotional responses and ethical behavior in committed relationships. Closeness involves mutual trust, respect, understanding, commitment, and support between partners, which can help individuals feel more secure, valued, and supported. It also helps them to better understand each other's perspectives and experiences, enabling them to empathize with one another and respond appropriately to each other's needs and desires.