title: The sociology of intimacy in the nurse-patient relationship.
abstract: This article examines intimacy from a sociological perspective. It reveals that 'over-involved' or 'intimate' nurse-patient relationships do not tend to be welcomed by nurses. The work of certain theorists is explored to provide a sociological explanation of intimate nurse-patient relationships and to highlight the complexities of nurses developing intimate relationships with patients in the workplace.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nursing Studies, National University of Ireland, Galway. maura.dowling@nuigalway.ie
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dowling
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001364:Awareness; D003142:Communication; D004645:Empathy; D006808:Humanism; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D007902:Length of Stay; D016294:Models, Nursing; D008960:Models, Psychological; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D018907:Privacy; D011582:Psychological Theory; D012649:Self Concept; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012951:Socialization; D012962:Sociology, Medical; D013561:Symbolism; D035502:Trust / Q000523:psychology