1. Instructor: Teaching Assistant Benjamin Karney Franz Hall 4560
Psychology 137C: Intimate Relationships Week 1, Lecture 1: Introduction
Instructor:
Benjamin Karney
Franz Hall 4560
Office hours: Wed & Fri, 2:00-3:00
Teaching Assistant
Natalie Castriotta
Franz Hall A-243C
Office hours: Wed. & Fri., 1:00-2:00

2. The Smartest Man in the World?
Albert Einstein
(March 14, 1879 – April 18, 1955)

3. Einstein and Wife, 1911
Albert Einstein with Mileva Maric

4. Einstein and 2nd Wife, 1922
Albert Einstein with his second wife, Elsa Einstein

5. The Power of Intimate Relationships
Who cares about intimate relationships?
(Hint: Everyone.)
Intimate Relationships and Happiness

6. Overall happiness in life
Marriage
Health
Hobbies
Finances
Work
Community
Friendships
Family
0.14
0.16
0.21
0.19
0.20
0.29
0.41
0.25
Glenn, N.D., & Weaver, C.N. (1981). The contribution of marital happiness to global happiness. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 43, , Table 1 .

7. The 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.

8. 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

9. What Makes A Close 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)

10. What Makes An Intimate 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?

11. Why Intimate Relationships Matter
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

12. What Do We Want To Know About Intimate Relationships?
The Longevity Question

14. What Do We Want To Know About Intimate Relationships?
The Longevity Question
The Satisfaction Question

15. What Do We Want To Know About Intimate Relationships?
The Longevity Question
The Satisfaction Question
The Change Question

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

18. Course Materials Text Video clips Lecture slides Announcements
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
Lecture slides
Announcements
Make sure BOL has your correct

19. Special extra credit option: Copy edit our book!
Course 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%
Not cumulative.
Special extra credit option: Copy edit our book!

20. Comment 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.

21. For Additional Info Check out the Relationship Institute at UCLA
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