How do close relationships affect an individual PDF

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How do close relationships affect an individual...

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1. How do close relationships affect an individual’s psychological and physical well-being? Discuss both positive and negative effects. Humans are one of the most vulnerable species at birth , that have to rely on others for their survival, which is what makes them social animals. Apart from accessing basic resources, it is clear that the humankind would not survive without the closeness and caring that close relationships offer (Beachamp 2014). Throughout a person’s life, close relationships continue to play a significant role in one’s life, affecting both his psychological and physical wellbeing (Fagundes et al. 2011). As “well-being”, the hedonic approach which focuses on pleasure attainment combined with the perspective of eudaimonia, which focuses on selffulfillment and realization, can describe the term best (Ryan & Deci, 2001) Indeed, different studies were able to indicate that an individual’s strong relationship is tied to his longevity (Holt-Lunstad et al. 2010) , whereas others show the teririble health outcomes that social disconnection can bring (being lonely or self-isolated ), such as premature mortality (HoltLunstad et al. 2015). Taken together, the objective of this essay is to provide an analytical discussion on how close relationships are capable of affecting a person’s wellbeing , both physically and psychologically.

To begin with, close relationships are characterised by ‘social support’, which refers to having family, friends, or other people to whom one can turn in times of need and is typically examined when a partner faces some kind of adversity (Uchino, 2004). What is particularly important about forming close relationships is that are able to promote well-being in many ways, not only in adverse times but also enabling individuals to participate in life opportunities- also known as the state of thriving, where an individual can flourish both personally and interpersonally (Benson & Scales, 2009). To understand the way that relationships achieve this, the theoretical perspectives of social support need to be discussed. What is known as SOS support, is the main support function in which a relationship contributes to thriving is by acting as source of strength in times of adversity, opposed to the relational catalyst support “ RC”, which promotes engagement in life opportunities. In more detail, the first process works as a refuge where protection and security are insured, as well as relieving the pressures one faces in times of adversity (Bowlby, 1982), whereas the latter refers to the function that enables an individual to engage in life opportunities in non-adverse times by nurturing a desire to seize life. Consequently, supportive relationships can help people thrive by encouraging involvement in opportunities that will enable them to prosper and thus, strengthen their positive wellbeing (Fredrickson, 2001)

Furthermore, significant evidence has emerged to conclude that social support is an important factor across the lifespan for mental and physical well-being. On the physical level , married adults have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who have suffered marital loss, partly because of the psychosocial support offered by marriage (Zhang and Hayward 2006). In addition, research has shown that providing care for loved ones predicts lower mortality rates (Brown et al., 2009),and reduced cardiovascular arousal (Piferi & Lawler, 2006). As far as the psychological level is concerned, a longitudinal study on

newlyweds supports the social support processes to thriving, since boosting the pursuit of meaningful goals is related to increased mood and high satisfaction with life. (Brunstein, 1993). It is also worth mentioning that receiving reinforcement from social support can help to alleviate mental health concerns linked to one's health (Cohen 2004;. Consequently, social support may have indirect effects on health through enhanced mental health, by reducing the impact of stress, or by fostering a sense of meaning and purpose in life Thoits 1995).

Although the primary source of emotional support for most people is social relationships, they can also be the main source of stress , when they lack of quality. (Walen and Lachman 2000). Poor marital quality can also lead individuals into experiencing feelings of loneliness which unavoidably leads to depression (Richman et al 2016). More specifically, on the physical level, feeling socially isolated triggers neurobiological mechanisms that in the longterm take a toll on health and well-being. Among these effects are larger rises in stress hormones, the result of the brain being prepared for any type of threat (Adam et al., 2006),as well as decreased quality of sleep, the effect of high alert state on the brain Hawkley, Preacher, et al., 2010). Numerous studies were also able to identify marital dysfunction and conflict with physiological deterioration , like Kiecolt-Glaser et al. (1997)who showed that 30 minute of conflict between married partners is enough to upbring changes in cortisol and lower the immune system. On the psychological domain, marital conflict contributes to psychological distress which in turn damages physical health by noticing an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and by leading people to engage in unhealthy behaviours , in an attempt to overcome stress and reduce unpleasant feelings (smoking heavily, eating unhealthy etc) (Kassel, Stroud, and Paronis 2003). As a result, stress in relationships often affects mental wellbeing and undermines a sense of self-control , which are all interlinked to poorer physical health in return (Mirowsky and Ross 2003).

To conclude with, human beings are created to depend and rely on lifelong conspecifics to survive and prosper. Social support is one of the strongest elements of close relationships that can help individuals thrive and offer important support of fundamental needs , thus resulting in increased wellbeing and satisfaction in every domain of life. On the other hand, solid scientific evidence was able to indicate that lacking of such bonds and experiencing feelings of loneliness affect a range of mental outcomes, such as stress, as well as altering health habits that all result in the overall deterioration of wellbeing....