Intimacy and health

Abstract

Intimacy is preceded by active processes across the life cycle. The emotional bond is established primarily on the attachment relationship of mother-infant, whose behavioral patterns and linking styles tend to be reflected on adult relationships. The purpose of this exploratory research aims to determine the physical transcription (health consequences) of unsatisfactory experiences of intimacy. 60 university students (30 female, 30 male) aged between 22 and 27 years, involved in a love relationship set (minimum duration: 6 months) were contacted to answer a battery of instruments (variables of interest: intimacy, identity, self-concept and linking). A good health seems to be associated with high values of interdependence and low levels of dependency in the relationship. In these young students intimacy based on dependence commits 14% of mental health. The impact of an unhealthy intimacy limits by nearly 9% physical health of young healthy adults.