Despite its clear importance for health and survival, sociological research suggests that social connectedness is waning at an alarming rate. This decline in social connectedness may explain reported increases in loneliness, isolation, and alienation and may be why studies are finding that loneliness represents one of the leading reasons people seek psychological counseling. Those who are not socially connected are more vulnerable to anxiety, depression, antisocial behavior, and even suicidal behaviors which tend to further increase their isolation.
We need close bonds to sustain ourselves They energize us, elevate our mood, encourage activity, boost the immune system, increase longevity. Our physical and mental health are intertwined--when one goes down, it affects the other. The more stressed we are, the more our immune system is depressed, and the more likely we are to get illnesses and diseases. Strong social connections are also linked to an increase in empathy. When you don’t have close relationships in life, it’s harder to have that emotional connection with others.
Brene Brown (Professor at the University of Houston), specializes in social connection. She describes how a deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don't function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache. We hurt others. We get sick.” We are profoundly social creatures. We may think we want money, power, fame, beauty, eternal youth or a new car, but at the root of most of these desires is a need to belong, to be accepted, to connect with others, to be loved. We pride ourselves on our independence, on pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps, having a successful career and not depending on anyone. But, psychologists repeatedly show that a sense of social connection is one of our fundamental human needs.
We need close bonds to sustain ourselves They energize us, elevate our mood, encourage activity, boost the immune system, increase longevity. Our physical and mental health are intertwined--when one goes down, it affects the other. The more stressed we are, the more our immune system is depressed, and the more likely we are to get illnesses and diseases. Strong social connections are also linked to an increase in empathy. When you don’t have close relationships in life, it’s harder to have that emotional connection with others.
Brene Brown (Professor at the University of Houston), specializes in social connection. She describes how a deep sense of love and belonging is an irresistible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don't function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache. We hurt others. We get sick.” We are profoundly social creatures. We may think we want money, power, fame, beauty, eternal youth or a new car, but at the root of most of these desires is a need to belong, to be accepted, to connect with others, to be loved. We pride ourselves on our independence, on pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps, having a successful career and not depending on anyone. But, psychologists repeatedly show that a sense of social connection is one of our fundamental human needs.
Effective Communication
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Good communication depends upon your self confidence and practice expressing yourself clearly in ways that others respond to in a positive way.
Effective communication skills are fundamental to success in many aspects of life. Many jobs require strong communication skills. People with good communication skills also usually enjoy better interpersonal relationships with friends and family. Good communication can be thought of being built upon a strong sense of self efficacy. Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in his or her capacity to execute behaviors necessary to produce specific performance attainments and exert control over one's own motivation, behavior, and social environment. |
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Psychology of Relationships
Relationships are built upon a foundation of psychological safety that comes from being able to be vulnerable and feel trust and connection. A relationship is a journey with many peaks and valleys and it is our hope to find in life those that we can draw support and comfort from in navigating our life path towards greater levels of self-discovery. Every relationship has a season - that changes as you both progress (or not) in your self awareness and development.
A healthy functioning relationship is built upon a foundation of secure self attachment - that develops from relationships (especially early formative ones) that encouraged the development of your self confidence to explore the world.
Early associations with care-givers form an implicit memory that is highly intelligent and acts to ensure we acquire the most love, care, connection, and protection as possible. This implicit memory lays down persistent patterns that both impel and constrain social and emotional behaviour. These patterns of connecting with others form in our primal limbric brain and as a consequence create core personality traits that act in the background to influence all latter relationships.
These automatic functions operate outside our conscious awareness and cause us to create mental filters that interpret situations to fit our constructed sense of self in the world. We became biologically wired to adopt behavioural strategies that made sense when early implicit memories were formed but can serve us poorly in later life.
A healthy functioning relationship is built upon a foundation of secure self attachment - that develops from relationships (especially early formative ones) that encouraged the development of your self confidence to explore the world.
Early associations with care-givers form an implicit memory that is highly intelligent and acts to ensure we acquire the most love, care, connection, and protection as possible. This implicit memory lays down persistent patterns that both impel and constrain social and emotional behaviour. These patterns of connecting with others form in our primal limbric brain and as a consequence create core personality traits that act in the background to influence all latter relationships.
These automatic functions operate outside our conscious awareness and cause us to create mental filters that interpret situations to fit our constructed sense of self in the world. We became biologically wired to adopt behavioural strategies that made sense when early implicit memories were formed but can serve us poorly in later life.
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Developing Influence
Developing the ability to positively influence others is crucial to gain support for your mission that will allow you to flourish. The ability to influence others depends on connection, trust, perceived value and presentation.
Emotional capital is a critical component to influencing people and developing strong relationships. People are constantly assessing whether to trust you or not. Standing up straight with your shoulders back helps you come across as confident. You can increase your influence on a particular issue by authentically framing it as a benefit to the people you want on your side. Consider each persons needs, perspectives, and temperaments.
Emotional capital is a critical component to influencing people and developing strong relationships. People are constantly assessing whether to trust you or not. Standing up straight with your shoulders back helps you come across as confident. You can increase your influence on a particular issue by authentically framing it as a benefit to the people you want on your side. Consider each persons needs, perspectives, and temperaments.
Building Strong Relationships
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