Development of the self: Relationships

2Development of the self: Relationships

Healthy relationships are central to well-being. Researchers believe that humans are social animals and that only when people connect with others can their deepest needs and goals be fulfilled (Bartkus & Davis, 2009:1). We can accomplish all our material goals, but if we do not tend carefully to our relationships, we may end up empty, boring, alone and miserable.

This idea is underscored by the Swedish proverb which reminds us that “shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow” (ThinkExist.com, 2014). In the movie Cast Away, loneliness and social isolation is portrayed. We see how Tom Hanks’ character (who is stranded on an uninhabited island) misses a relationship with others when he creates a face on a volleyball and names the ball “Wilson” as if it was a person. In the movie, it is emphasised how we as humans crave and need social contact.

CHALLENGE How sustainable do my relationships with my friends tend to be, how do my habits and customs differ from another cultural or race group and what should I do to overcome these possible differences when forming relationships?

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After you have completed this unit, you must be able to do the following: • analyse the importance of healthy relationships; • distinguish between and explain four types of relationships; • argue why effective communication skills is a vital aspect of interpersonal relationships.

DEFINE

Adolescence: Adolescence describes the teenage years between 13 and 19.It can be considered the transitional stage from childhood to adulthood. Assertiveness vs. aggressiveness: Aggressive teenagers will try to force other people to think like them or play their way. Assertive teenagers are respectful of other people’s differences and ideas, but are not afraid to stand up for themselves. Bias: Inclination or prejudice towards or against something or someone, sometimes for no real reason. Cognitive skills: Thinking and integrating knowledge, problem-solving and decision-making skills.