The Importance Of Tactile Communication

INTRODUCTION Emotional connection with tactile expression within a relationship can be explored through the attachment styles of the individuals in the relationship. New relationships encounter a learning process of balancing the attachment and expression of the two partners. This process creates an intimacy language that blends the two styles into a new language that is understood by the partners (Sherman, 1993). Sometimes attachment injuries or past experiences mold and inhibit one partner from participating in this new language. This decrease in participation can create an disconnect between the couple and increase feelings of rejection and frustration. Past relationships and family of origin can influence the ways a person forms attachments and expresses themselves through tactile expression (Schneller& Arditti, 2004). Exploration of the experiences and emotions can change the tone of the physical expression (Bifulco, Moran, Ball & Lillie, 2002)(Johnson & Johnson, 2004).
BLENDED FAMILIES AND SUBSEQUENT MARRIAGES The idea that marriage is forever is a societal myth that is disproved on a regular basis. Remarriages

Tactile communication can vary from individual to individual creating a deficiency when one person has a higher need for touch than the other. Touches can be classified as direct, intentional touch or indirect touches. Early tactile experiences influenced the development of personality and tactile behaviors of adults (Deethardt &Hines, 1984). Internal body satisfaction can also influence openness to touch and expression. Low self-esteem correlated with lowered openness to touch and decreased tactile expression (Deethardt &Hines, 1984). Furthermore, lowered self-disclosure between members of the opposite sex occurred with decreased tactile responses, suggesting a relationship between self-disclosure and touch (Silverman, Pressman & Bartell,