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 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.
Research has also suggested that high levels of social support can be linked to positive health outcomes. According to Uchino et al. (1996) the amount of social support a person receives can influence their physiological well being and functioning. Uchino, Cacioppo, and Kiecolt-Glaser found in their review of 81 studies that social support was related to positive effects on the cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune systems. Evidence also shows that there is a tie between relationships and survival in human beings; the importance of relationships can also determine mortality in people.