To what extent are close relationships essential for optimal human functioning and psychological well-being
To what extent are close relationships essential for optimal human functioning and psychological wellbeing?
Intro
Many theorists and researchers have proposed that optimal human functioning and an individual’s psychological wellbeing is determined to a large extent by the quality of one’s relationship with others. Our relationships with others form a ubiquitous part of our everyday lives. This essay discusses the effects of relationships on human development and behaviour; with particular focus on how important relationships and social support are to a person’s wellbeing. According to Kahneman, we are yet to come up with a scientific measure of wellbeing. An individual’s well being is a many-sided construct consisting of a complex interaction of cultural, social, psychological, physical, economic and spiritual factors. Positive Psychology is the scientific study of optimal human functioning; this essay will address
Main Body
The question “Are relationships important in predicting psychological well-being?” is receiving increased attention from Psychologists. Certainly a person’s relationships can influence and shape how a person feels to a certain extent, but how far can an individual’s close relationships determines their health, happiness, and strength and life satisfaction. Findings challenge the prevailing assumption that effective or optimal functioning can be understood by studying disorder, and suggest new approaches to enhancing the well-being of individuals, organisations and nations. The position that positive psychologists support is that relationships are especially important to a person’s happiness and welfare. “There is nothing people consider more meaningful and essential to their mental and physical well-being than their close relationships with other people”, (cited from Berscheid, 1999). For that reason the influence of social relationships on human development and behaviour is receiving increased attention from Psychologists. Less than 50% of stressful negative events are due to conflicts in relationships causing it to end. Most common problems presented in psychotherapy are actually relationship problems.