human relationships essay

The Importance of Human Relationships

by Jon Talebreza-May, Ph.D., LCSW  

     The value of "the importance of human relationships" is so much a part of what we as social workers do that it often goes unnoticed, yet it is the foundation upon which everything else is built.

     In my own work as a social work practitioner and professor of social work, I know that when I focus on technique or facts and forget to connect with those around me, I fail. When I trust myself, relax, and enjoy the company I keep, the job gets done. I learned this early in my career, when interviewing an elderly Hispanic couple. I practiced the technique of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with perfection, but alas, I forgot to attend to my audience, whose personal culture was heavily invested in the importance of human relationships. They left and never came back, and they taught me a lesson vital to helping future clients and teaching future students - attend to the relationship, stay in the present moment, and everything else will fall into place.

     We rely on the strength of human relationships to survive and thrive. We are born into the world vulnerable, weak, and in need of physical and emotional nurturing. Immediately, we reach out to secure our first relationships. These original attachments are key to shaping a lifetime of connections to others. The strength of the original human relationship provides a path into the future, helping to define what is possible.

     We also leave the world vulnerable and weak and, just as in infancy, we reach out for support from those around us. The level of support we get will often be based on the strength of the relationships we have created throughout our lives. Lessons from the dying include the bedrock understanding that our illusions of invincibility and independence just don’t stand up to the truth of the need for connection.

     Social workers support the strengthening of human relationships with those who are being born and those who are dying. The years between birth and death - when we grow, learn, create a life, and see our life carried forward through our children or those we touch - are characterized by the same need for interdependence. In these times of making a life, social workers are there to assess the strength of our connections to each other. More than any other helping field, this is social work’s calling.

     That calling is our territory as social workers. The best social work students, practitioners, and teachers are not those who are encyclopedic in their knowledge or flawless in their technique (if there could be such a thing), but those who show that each and every person they meet is the center of the universe at that moment. When we do that, we create and strengthen relationships, and our goals are met. May we always look into the eyes of our clients or students and see that beyond what they are asking in the moment, what they want more than anything is our connection.

Joh Talebreza-May

Jon Talebreza-May

Professor May is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Pacific University’s MSW program and has practiced social work with individuals, families, and groups for more than 10 years.

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6 Types of Relationships and Their Effect on Your Life

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and a professor at Yeshiva University’s clinical psychology doctoral program.

Verywell / Laura Porter

What Is a Relationship?

Basic types of relationships, defining your relationship, how to keep your relationship healthy.

Interpersonal relationships make up a huge and vital part of your life. These relationships can range from close and intimate to distant and challenging. No matter the nature of the relationship, different types of relationships help make up the social support network that is pivotal for both your physical and mental well-being.

To better understand and discuss these relationships accurately, it can be helpful to learn more about the different types of relationships that a person can have. 

A relationship is any connection between two people, which can be either positive or negative.

You can have a relationship with a wide range of people, including family and friends. The phrase "being in a relationship," while often linked with romantic relationships, can refer to various associations one person has with another.

To "be in a relationship" doesn't always mean there is physical intimacy, emotional attachment, and/or commitment involved. People engage in many different types of relationships that have unique characteristics.

Relationships typically fall into one of several different categories (although these can sometimes overlap):

• Family relationships
• Friendships
• Acquaintances
• Romantic relationships
• Sexual relationships
• Work relationships
• Situational relationships (sometimes called " situationships ")

These different forms of relationships can vary greatly in terms of closeness, and there are also different subtypes of relationships within each of these basic types. Some of the different kinds of relationships that you might experience at some point in your life include the following.

While there are many different types of relationships, the four main types are typically identified as family relationships, romantic relationships, friendships, and acquaintanceships.

Platonic Relationships

A platonic relationship is a type of friendship that involves a close, intimate bond without sex or romance. These relationships tend to be characterized by:

• Understanding

Platonic relationships can occur in a wide range of settings and can involve same-sex or opposite-sex friendships. You might form a platonic relationship with a classmate or co-worker, or you might make a connection with a person in another setting such as a club, athletic activity, or volunteer organization you are involved in.

This type of relationship can play an essential role in providing social support, which is essential for your health and well-being. Research suggests that platonic friendships can help reduce your risk for disease, lower your risk for depression or anxiety, and boost your immunity.

Platonic relationships are those that involve closeness and friendship without sex. Sometimes platonic relationships can change over time and shift into a romantic or sexual relationship.

Romantic Relationships

Romantic relationships are those characterized by feelings of love and attraction for another person. While romantic love can vary, it often involves feelings of infatuation, intimacy, and commitment. 

Experts have come up with a variety of different ways to describe how people experience and express love. For example, psychologist Robert Sternberg suggests three main components of love: passion, intimacy, and decision/commitment. Romantic love, he explains, is a combination of passion and intimacy.

Romantic relationships tend to change over time. At the start of a relationship, people typically experience stronger feelings of passion. During this initial infatuation period, the brain releases specific neurotransmitters ( dopamine , oxytocin , and serotonin ) that cause people to feel euphoric and "in love." 

Over time, these feelings start to lessen in their intensity. As the relationship matures, people develop deeper levels of emotional intimacy and understanding.  

Romantic relationships often burn hot at the beginning. While the initial feelings of passion usually lessen in strength over time, feelings of trust, emotional intimacy, and commitment grow stronger.

Codependent Relationships

A codependent relationship is an imbalanced, dysfunctional type of relationship in which a partner has an emotional, physical, or mental reliance on the other person.

It is also common for both partners to be mutually co-dependent on each other. Both may take turns enacting the caretaker role, alternating between the caretaker and the receiver of care.

Characteristics of a codependent relationship include:

• Acting as a giver while the other person acts as a taker
• Going to great lengths to avoid conflict with the other person
• Feeling like you have to ask permission to do things
• Having to save or rescue the other person from their own actions
• Doing things to make someone happy, even if they make you uncomfortable
• Feeling like you don't know who you are in the relationship
• Elevating the other person even if they've done nothing to earn your goodwill and admiration

Not all codependent relationships are the same, however. They can vary in terms of severity. Codependency can impact all different types of relationships including relationships between romantic partners, parents and children, friendship, other family members, and even coworkers.

Codependent relationships are co-constructed. While one partner might seem more "needy," the other partner might feel more comfortable being needed.

Someone who feels more comfortable being needed, for instance, may avoid focusing on their own needs by choosing a partner who constantly needs them.

Casual Relationships

Casual relationships often involve dating relationships that may include sex without expectations of monogamy or commitment. However, experts suggest that the term is vague and can mean different things to different people. 

According to the authors of one study published in the Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality , casual relationships can encompass situations such as:

• One-night stands
• Booty calls
• "Sex" buddies
• Friends with benefits 

Such relationships often exist on a continuum that varies in the levels of frequency of contact, type of contact, amount of personal disclosure, discussion of the relationship, and degree of friendship. The study found that people with more sexual experience were better able to identify the definitions of these labels compared to people with less sexual experience.

Casual relationships are often common among young adults. As long as casual relationships are marked by communication and consent, they can have several sex-positive benefits. They can satisfy the need for sex, intimacy, connection, and companionship without the emotional demand and energy commitment of a more serious relationship.

Casual relationships tend to be more common among younger adults, but people of any age can engage in this type of relationship. Consent and communication are key.

Open Relationships

An open relationship is a type of consensually non-monogamous relationship in which one or more partners have sex or relationships with other people. Both people agree to have sex with other people in an open relationship but may have certain conditions or limitations.

Open relationships can take place in any type of romantic relationship, whether casual, dating, or married. 

There tends to be a stigma surrounding non-monogamous relationships. Still, research suggests that around 21% to 22% of adults will be involved in some type of open relationship at some point in their life.

The likelihood of engaging in an open relationship also depends on gender and sexual orientation. Men reported having higher numbers of open relationships compared to women; people who identify as gay, lesbian, and bisexual relative to those who identify as heterosexual were more likely to report previous engagement in open relationships.

Such relationships can have benefits, including increased sexual freedom and pitfalls such as jealousy and emotional pain. Open relationships are more successful when couples establish personal, emotional, and sexual boundaries and clearly communicate their feelings and needs with one another.

Open relationships are a form of consensual non-monogamy. While there is a primary emotional and often physical connection between the two people in the relationship, they mutually agree to intimacy with other people outside of the relationship.

Toxic Relationships

A toxic relationship is any type of interpersonal relationship where your emotional, physical, or psychological well-being is undermined or threatened in some way. Such relationships often leave you feeling ashamed, humiliated, misunderstood, or unsupported.

Any type of relationship can be toxic including friendships, family relationships, romantic relationships, or workplace relationships.

Toxic relationships are characterized by:

• A lack of support
• Competitiveness
• Controlling behaviors
• Gaslighting
• Passive-aggressive behaviors
• Poor communication

Sometimes all people in a relationship play a role in creating this toxicity. For example, you may be contributing to toxicity if you are all consistently unkind, critical, insecure, and negative.

In other cases, one person in a relationship may behave in ways that create toxic feelings. This may be intentional, but in other cases, people may not fully understand how they are affecting other people. Because of their past experiences with relationships, often in their home growing up, they may not know any other way of acting and communicating.

This doesn't just create discontentment—toxic relationships can take a serious toll on your health. For example, according to one study, stress caused by negative relationships has a direct impact on cardiovascular health. Feeling isolated and misunderstood in a relationship can also lead to loneliness , which has been shown to have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health.

Toxic relationships can be stressful, harmful, and even abusive. If you are in a toxic relationship with someone in your life, work on creating strong boundaries to protect yourself. Talk to a mental health professional or consider terminating the relationship if it is causing you harm.

If you or a loved one are a victim of domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential assistance from trained advocates.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database .

How you define your relationship depends on various factors, including what matters to you and how the other person feels. To define your relationship, it can be helpful to ask a few questions:

• Do you have romantic feelings for one another?
• What does each person hope to get out of the relationship?
• How much time do you want to spend together?
• Where do you see the relationship going?
• Are you currently involved with or want to be involved with other people?

Figuring out what matters to you and your partner is an important step in defining the type of relationship you are interested in having. You might find that you are both on the same page or discover that you want different things out of your relationship. 

Defining your relationship doesn't have to mean committing for the long-term. Instead, it can be a way to help you both better understand the boundaries and expectations of your relationship.

Regardless of how you define your relationship, there are important steps you can take to ensure that your connection is healthy. Strategies that can help include:

• Showing appreciation and gratitude
• Communicating openly and honestly
• Being affectionate and showing that you care 
• Mutual respect 
• Actively listening
• Showing interest in each other
• Being supportive and encouraging
• Feeling empathy for each other
• Spending time together
• Having healthy boundaries
• Being trustworthy

Communication is often the single most important thing in a relationship. Good relationships are also marked by honesty, trust , and reciprocity . This doesn't mean that the relationship is purely transactional ; it indicates that you naturally engage in a give and take that provides mutually beneficial support.

A Word From Verywell

No matter what type of relationship you have with another person(s), it is important for it to be a healthy one. Healthy relationships are characterized by trust, mutual respect, openness, honesty, and affection. Good communication is also a hallmark of a healthy relationship.

There are steps that you can take to improve your relationships with other people. Making sure you let others know you care and showing your appreciation are two strategies that can be helpful. 

But if a relationship is causing stress or shows signs of being toxic, look for ways to establish clear boundaries, talk to a therapist, or even consider ending the relationship if it is too unhealthy.

Social relationships are important and they come in all different types. Having a variety of relationships with different people can ensure that you have the support and connections you need for your emotional health and well-being. 

Miller A. Friends wanted . Monitor on Psychology . 2014;45(1):54.

Gawda B. The structure of the concepts related to love spectrum: emotional verbal fluency technique application, initial psychometrics, and its validation . J Psycholinguist Res . 2019;48(6):1339-1361. doi:10.1007/s10936-019-09661-y

Wentland JJ, Reissing ED. Casual sexual relationships: Identifying definitions for one night stands, booty calls, f--- buddies, and friends with benefits . Can J Hum Sex. 2014;23(3):167-177. doi:10.3138/cjhs.2744

Rodrigue C, Fernet M. A metasynthesis of qualitative studies on casual sexual relationships and experiences . Can J Hum Sex . 2016;25(3):225-242. doi:10.3138/cjhs.253-a6

Haupert ML, Gesselman AN, Moors AC, Fisher HE, Garcia JR. Prevalence of experiences with consensual nonmonogamous relationships: Findings from two national samples of single Americans . J Sex Marital Ther . 2017;43(5):424-440. doi:10.1080/0092623X.2016.1178675

Birditt KS, Newton NJ, Cranford JA, Ryan LH. Stress and negative relationship quality among older couples: Implications for blood pressure . J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci . 2016;71(5):775-85. doi:10.1093/geronb/gbv023

Lavner JA, Bradbury TN.  Why do even satisfied newlyweds eventually go on to divorce? .  J Fam Psychol . 2012;26(1):1-10. doi:10.1037/a00259

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Psychology of Human Relations

(2 reviews)

Stevy Scarbrough, Umpqua Community College

Copyright Year: 2023

Publisher: Open Oregon Educational Resources

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by Hannah Adams Ingram, College Chaplain and Instructor of Religion, Franklin College on 2/6/24

The content is helpful and easy to understand. There are assignments and discussion guides in the appendices, but there is not an index or glossary. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The content is helpful and easy to understand. There are assignments and discussion guides in the appendices, but there is not an index or glossary.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

From what I can tell, the content is straight-forward and accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

There is a relevant chapter about culture and diversity.

Clarity rating: 5

I have decided to use this for a first-year seminar because the format is straight-forward and can be used to teach how to read and annotate a textbook.

Consistency rating: 5

Modularity rating: 5

This is a predictable format that seems appropriately chunked for assignments.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

This book has a logical flow, though for my own purposes, I will likely use isolated chapters out of order, and that seems like it will work just fine.

Interface rating: 5

The interface works.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

I have not noticed errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Seems diverse in examples so far.

I will be trying this book out in a course.

Reviewed by Mary Ann Woodman, Adjunct Professor, Social Science, Rogue Community College on 10/3/23

This OER covers most areas included in a Psychology of Human Relations Course: self-concept, behavior, personality, emotions, perceptions, managing stress, conflict, workplace. It offers a thorough consideration of communication skills, a... read more

This OER covers most areas included in a Psychology of Human Relations Course: self-concept, behavior, personality, emotions, perceptions, managing stress, conflict, workplace. It offers a thorough consideration of communication skills, a noticeable emphasis on cultural awareness, and workplace relations. The textbook lacks content regarding friendship, dating, marriage, parental relationships, and global consciousness, which is frequently part of a human relationship course. The text does not include an index or glossary.

This resource contains accurate, up to date material with high accuracy of information regarding the subject matter introduced.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The relevance of the material is current and ensures longevity of use. It would be advisable to have auxiliary materials such as audio-visuals, real life stories exemplifying the principles and concepts introduced, as well as some opportunities for creative and critical thinking skills.

The content is clear, lucid, and uses terminology very easily understood by the reader.

The format is very consistent and easy to follow. The use of terms, such as self-concept, personality, emotional intelligence, culture and so forth are uniform throughout the textbook. The structure of the assignment portion remains consistent as well: purpose, learning objectives, time needed and instructions.

The content material is arranged with subheadings for all ten chapters. It could easily be rearranged to align with the learning objectives of a course on the Psychology of Human Relations. There are no large blocks of text without subheadings.

The structure has a clear organization and flow to it and could be rearranged according to specific instructional methodology. For example, conflict resolution could be coupled with communication skills; and personality with self-concept. The assessment suggestions and discussion tasks in the appendix align very well with the content material, as do the links to additional resources.

Interface is in tack without distortions of images and charts making for ease in navigation without confusion or distraction. Audio-visuals have not been included in any of the chapters which would greatly enhance the use of this resource.

Correct, accurate grammar is presented throughout the entire text.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

The material treats race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, cultural relativism, diversity and equity with great sensitivity. The book includes an entire chapter on cultural diversity, plus a section on culture and personality, intercultural communication, diversity in the workplace and raises awareness of the role of bias in relationships. Examples from other races and ethnicities would add greatly to the topics, but overall outstanding emphasis given to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Power point slide presentations and audio-visuals would greatly enrich the content and learning styles of students taking a college course in human relations. The references and links to other open publishing articles, as well as surveys that engage students in an activity related to the content are greatly appreciated. The essay based suggested assignments and discussion questions enhance the material. The author also includes rubrics for consideration. Overall, this OER furnishes a solid foundation for designing a curriculum for a Psychology of Human Relations College Course or training employees at a Business for success in the workplace.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: Self-Concept
• Chapter 2: Cultural Diversity
• Chapter 3: Behavioral Change
• Chapter 4: Personality Development
• Chapter 5: Emotions
• Chapter 6: Perception
• Chapter 7: Interpersonal Communication
• Chapter 8: Stress
• Chapter 9: Conflict Resolution
• Chapter 10: Workplace Success
• Appendix A: Assignments
• Appendix B: Discussions

Ancillary Material

About the book.

Understanding human relations is a valuable skill for anyone entering into the job market. The aim of this textbook is to aid readers in understanding their own behaviors and the behaviors of others with the intent of engaging in positive interactions in personal and professional spaces.

About the Contributors

Stevy Scarbrough , Umpqua Community College

Contribute to this Page

Why Relationships Matter

Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff

Love is one of the most profound emotions known to human beings. There are many kinds of love, but many people seek its expression in a romantic relationship with a compatible partner (or partners). For these individuals, romantic relationships comprise one of the most meaningful aspects of life, and are a source of deep fulfillment.

While need for human connection appears to be innate, the ability to form healthy, loving relationships is learned. Some evidence suggests that the ability to form a stable relationship starts to form in infancy, in a child's earliest experiences with a caregiver who reliably meets the infant's needs for food, care, warmth, protection, stimulation, and social contact. Such relationships are not destiny, but they are theorized to establish deeply ingrained patterns of relating to others. The end of a relationship , however, is often a source of great psychological anguish.

To learn more, see Personality and Relationships .

Maintaining a strong relationship requires constant care and communication, and certain traits have been shown to be especially important for fostering healthy relationships. Each individual should, for starters, feel confident that their partner is willing to devote time and attention to the other. They must both also be committed to accommodating their differences, even as those change over time.

In the 21st century, good relationships are generally marked by emotional and physical fairness, particularly in the distribution of chores necessary to maintain a household. Partners in strong relationships also feel grateful for one another, openly provide and receive affection, and engage in honest discussions about sex .

In good relationships, partners try to afford their partner the benefit of the doubt, which creates a sense of being on the same team. This feeling, maintained over the long term, can help couples overcome the challenges they will inevitably face together.

To learn more, see Maintaining a Relationship and Love and Sex .

Finding a partner with whom to share a life is a wonderful but frequently difficult process. Whether it's conducted online or in-person, the search will likely push an individual into unfamiliar settings to encounter potential partners. To be successful, it is often necessary to go outside of one's comfort zone.

Determining whether a particular person is suitable as a potential mate, and whether a connection reflects temporary infatuation or true love, can challenging, but research suggests that there are revealing clues in behavior.

One possibly counterintuitive indicator of a potential match is one's sense of self. Someone who would make a good partner may push an individual to discover new activities or beliefs that expand their own self-concept . Another early signifier may be stress : Repeatedly interacting with someone whose impression matters deeply to us can fuel anxiety . Other positive indicators include being highly motivated to see the person and investing a significant amount of time, emotion , and energy into the budding relationship.

To learn more, see How People Find Love .

Every relationship represents a leap of faith for at least one partner, and even in the happiest couples, the very traits that once attracted them to each other can eventually become annoyances that drive them apart. Acquiring the skills to make a connection last is hard work, and threats may spring up without notice. In short-term, casual relationships, neither partner may see a truly viable long-term future together, but often only one takes action, in some cases ghosting the other, walking out of their lives with no communication, not even a text.

For some couples, infidelity is both the first and last straw, but a surprising number of relationships survive betrayal, some only to have their connection upended by everyday threats such as a loss of interest in physical intimacy, or a waning of positive feeling in the wake of constant criticism, contempt, or defensiveness. Even staying together for decades is no guarantee that a couple will remain connected: The divorce rate for couples over 50 has doubled since 1990.

Some people can walk away from years of marriage and instantly feel unburdened. For others, the end of a relationship that lasted just a few dates can trigger emotional trauma that lingers for years. However a breakup plays out, it can be a major stressor with an effect on ego and self-esteem that cannot be ignored.

To learn more, see Relationship Challenges and The End of Relationships .

Discernment is a lifeskill for achieving greater clarity, attention, and decision-making.

C-PTSD recovery is subjective and complex, spanning stabilization to integration. Success varies, with progress marked by emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral changes.

Thinking of taking a break from your relationship? Here are 3 ways to help make a separation more effective.

Has the concept of self-care evolved into internalized oppression? It's time to embrace holistic self-nurturing instead.

Five ways algorithms in social media might be affecting how we relate to each other.

Digital technology causes distress in relationships. Here are healthy ways to respond to complex communication in your own life.

Sexting can be a positive and enjoyable aspect of modern relationships.

Parenting is the world's hardest job. Despite our best efforts, we will shame and have shamed our children. Can we transform the shaming into something useful?

Individuals across the world use similar strategies to attract others.

The only way to succeed in life is to set a goal. We’re designed to have goals. Even avoiding goals is a goal! We are designed as goal achieving creatures. Goals are us.

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The Impact of Technology on Human Relationship, Essay Example

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Technology is the application of scientific skills and knowledge to accomplish different purposes. Technology has made life easier in the modern world by allowing human access to complex machinery that can help make work easier. The advancement of technology and its impacts on human relationships have created many debates and discussions worldwide. In one group, a team holds that technology has improved human relationships through social platforms and the Internet, enabling humans to share information easily. Conversely, a party claims that technology has caused more harm to human relationships, such as social isolation and moral decay. This paper seeks to explore how technology affects human relationships.

Technology has made more accessible access to different places of the world by improving the transport system. Through the invention of modern means of transport such as airplanes and electric trains, individuals can travel and explore different parts of the world within a short period (Wolfram et al., 1-23). For instance, electric trains replaced fuel trains which moved slower and caused environmental pollution. Electric trains travel at high speed, enabling individuals to save time and reach their destinations faster. Modern airplanes allow individuals to travel to different countries faster and accomplish their purposes instead of the old days when traveling to foreign countries overseas was a big challenge. When traveling to new places, technology provides navigation tools that enable individuals to find directions for their traveling. Technology, therefore, plays a crucial role in the transport sector.

Technology has enabled easier sharing of information and enhanced communication. The invention of smartphones has helped individuals to share information on Internet through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. This makes it easier for people in different places worldwide to get information about other areas that are far away from them. Technology has also made communication more effective as people can talk to each other through phones from different geographical locations. Initially, radios and newspapers were the primary means of sharing news, but the invention of Television enables easy sharing of information worldwide. It is easier to know what is happening in another country when breaking news on Television. Additionally, it is easier to find news through smartphones with apps that share information. This has made a recognizable step in the communication industry as people can communicate and share news in different places within a short period.

Additionally, technology has enhanced learning and improved social interactions. Students can get learning materials and articles on the Internet and download helpful information for learning purposes (Ghavifekr et al., 175-191). Lecturers can offer a lecture through the Internet by connecting with students on zoom or other social platforms. Students can also complete and submit their assignments to their lecturers through the Internet. For instance, technology has made it easier for people to conduct online classes and improved online courses, providing easier access to quality education.

Finally, technology has improved social interaction among people in different places. Through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, individuals can meet and make friends at their comfort. Interacting with people in other areas can improve creativity among individuals by sharing ideas on social media platforms.

Conversely, as much technology has made life easier by enhancing communication, transportation, and ease of access to information, it has dramatically affected human relationships. Technology negatively affects human relationships, leading to social isolation, moral decay, time wastage, and distraction. The most affected category of individuals is youth as they are highly addicted to technological equipment.

Technology has significantly lead to isolation among individuals. Most individuals spend time in their homes or workplaces while interacting with their friends and relatives on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. People tend to believe that there is no need to meet physically as they can easily communicate through social media (Khosravi et al., 594-603). This spirit of social isolation significantly affects society as a whole since individuals cannot meet physically to share ideas; thus, this can lower creativity among individuals. Social isolation has many effects on individuals as it may lead to depressions and stress among individuals. Many families and relationships fail as partners spent most of their time on social media and fail to have time with their loved ones. The interaction of human to human is now replaced by human-machine interaction where individuals use most of their time on a machine than with fellow individuals. Parents now spent most of their time on technological devices than with their children. This character is passed on to their children, affecting the next generation as parent-child interaction will replace parent-machine interaction.

Technology has also led to moral decay among youths. Due to constant interaction with the Internet, many children get access to adult content on the Internet and download it to view in their free time (Swierstra & Tsjalling, 5-20). The young generation wastes most of their time on pornographic sites watching adult content and use less time to do constructive things in life. At the same time, others create groups where they share nude photos and adult content materials. Parents are most blamed for allowing their children to use phones and tablets for communication. Uncontrolled access to technological devices will make the next generation be significantly affected by moral decay in society.

Finally, technology leads to time wastage and distraction at the workplace. Individuals spend most of their time on technological devices such as tablets and computers accessing the information on the Internet (Beland et al., 61-76). They forget to do other essential activities that could be productive and instead concentrate mainly on their computers and tablets. For instance, students spent most of their time playing video games and computer games and spent less or no time on their education, leading to poor results in their studies. The use of technological devices also causes distraction at the workplace and during study time. Most employees are disrupted by their phones when they receive pop-up notifications and messages from their friends. This makes workers concentrate on their phones for a long time and use less time focusing on the work they intend to do, resulting in low productivity. Emails and messaging Apps are significant causes of distraction at the workplace; thus, managers should always advise their employees to turn off all notifications and receive only priority calls and messages that can help improve the firm’s productivity. Additionally, students are now heavily addicted to their phones and try to study; they try to use their phones simultaneously. Since phones are more addictive, they overweigh students’ ability to concentrate on studies instead of using their phones.

In conclusion, technology started a long time ago, and more advancements have been made to make it more complex and perform unique tasks to make life easier. The use of technology has positively impacted human relationships by enhancing communication, transport, and ease of access to information. Nonetheless, as technology has many benefits to human relationships, it has caused many problems to humankind, including social isolation, moral decay, distraction, and time wastage. Appropriate measures have to be implemented to ensure individuals make good use of technology to avoid other effects.

Works cited

Beland, Louis-Philippe, and Richard Murphy. “Ill communication: technology, distraction & student performance.”  Labour Economics  41 (2016): 61-76.

Ghavifekr, Simin, and Wan Athirah Wan Rosdy. “Teaching and learning with technology: Effectiveness of ICT integration in schools.”  International Journal of Research in Education and Science  1.2 (2015): 175-191.

Henrie, Curtis R., Lisa R. Halverson, and Charles R. Graham. “Measuring student engagement in technology-mediated learning: A review.”  Computers & Education  90 (2015): 36-53.

Khosravi, Pouria, Azadeh Rezvani, and Anna Wiewiora. “The impact of technology on older adults’ social isolation.”  Computers in Human Behavior  63 (2016): 594-603.

McDaniel, Brandon T., and Jenny S. Radesky. “Technoference: Parent distraction with technology and associations with child behavior problems.”  Child development  89.1 (2018): 100-109.

Osseiran, Afif, Jose F. Monserrat, and Patrick Marsch, eds.  5G mobile and wireless communications technology . Cambridge University Press, 2016.

Swierstra, Tsjalling. “Identifying the normative challenges posed by technology’s ‘soft’impacts.”  Etikk i praksis-Nordic Journal of Applied Ethics  1 (2015): 5-20.

Wolfram, Paul, and Nic Lutsey. “Electric vehicles: Literature review of technology costs and carbon emissions.”  The International Council on Clean Transportation: Washington, DC, USA  (2016): 1-23.

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• Abnormal Psychology
• Assessment (IB)
• Biological Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Criminology
• Developmental Psychology
• Extended Essay
• General Interest
• Health Psychology

Human Relationships

• IB Psychology
• IB Psychology HL Extensions
• Internal Assessment (IB)
• Love and Marriage
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Prejudice and Discrimination
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Research Methodology
• Revision and Exam Preparation
• Social and Cultural Psychology
• Studies and Theories
• Teaching Ideas

Exam Question Bank: Paper 2 Human Relationships

Travis Dixon April 28, 2019 Assessment (IB) , Human Relationships , Revision and Exam Preparation

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Disclaimer : These questions are not IB “official” questions and are written with our best guess as to what the probable exam questions may look like. Not every  possible question is covered but rather a wide sample of questions has been asked so you can get an idea of the types of questions that may appear.

• Abnormal Psychology exam bank ( link )
• Biological approach core exam bank ( link )
• Cognitive approach core exam bank ( link )
• Sociocultural approach core exam bank ( link )

IB Psychology Revision Book Available NOW! Get your free preview here.

The exam questions will be based on the topic and content headings as shown above (This table is taken from our revision guide, available here ). There will be one question per topic.

Exam Questions

Approaches (bio, cog & socio-cult).

If questions about the three core approaches are asked they will be based on the three “topics” for the human relationships option (personal relationships, group dynamics and social responsibility).

Personal Relationships

• Discuss the biological or cognitive approach to understanding personal relationships.
• Discuss the sociocultural approach to understanding personal relationships.
• Contrast the biological and cognitive approaches to understanding personal relationships.

Group Dynamics

• Discuss the sociocultural and/or cognitive approach to understanding group dynamics
• Evaluate the sociocultural approach to understanding group dynamics.

Social Responsibility

• Discuss the biological approach to understanding social responsibility.
• Evaluate the biological or cognitive approach to the study of social responsibility.
• Discuss the sociocultural approach to understanding social responsibility.

Research Methods & Ethical Considerations

Questions about research methods and ethics will be based on the three “topics” for the human relationships option (personal relationships, group dynamics and social responsibility).

Research Methods

Essay Questions

• Evaluate the use of one research method used to study personal relationships.
• Evaluate one or more research methods used to study social responsibility.
• Evaluate one research method used to study group dynamics.
• Discuss how and why one research method is used to study group dynamics.
• Discuss the use of one research method used to study personal relationships.
• Evaluate one approach to the research of social responsibility.
• Discuss one or more approaches to research (i.e. research method/s) used in the study of personal relationships.

*the phrase “approaches to research” is used in the official IB Psychology guide and it means “research methods” (e.g. true experiments, correlational studies, etc.) Students should be prepared for this phrasing, but hopefully the IB exam team will use the phrase “research methods” so as not to get confused with the three approaches (bio, cog & socio-cult). 

Ethical Considerations

• Discuss one or more ethical considerations related to research on personal relationships.
• Discuss one ethical considerations related to research on group dynamics.
• Discuss one ethical considerations related to research on social responsibility.
• Paper Two is essay questions only.
• SL students write one essay for one option, HL students write two essays on two options.
• Like all options, there are three topics in the human relationships option and there will definitely be one question per topic , which means you can safely study only one topic per option. HOWEVER, if you’re doing this then you need to be prepared to answer  any  possible question on that topic, including the three approaches, research methods and ethical considerations in relation to that topic.

Noticed a mistake? Always feel free to let me know in the comments.

Travis Dixon is an IB Psychology teacher, author, workshop leader, examiner and IA moderator.

Essay on Relationship Between Humans and Animals

Students are often asked to write an essay on Relationship Between Humans and Animals in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Relationship Between Humans and Animals

Introduction.

Humans and animals have shared a deep bond since ancient times. This relationship is marked by mutual benefits, companionship, and sometimes, survival.

Companionship

Animals, especially pets, provide emotional support to humans. They bring joy, comfort, and companionship, enriching our lives in many ways.

Mutual Benefits

Both humans and animals benefit from each other. Animals provide food, labor, and transportation, while humans offer care and protection.

In the wild, certain animals help humans by controlling pests or pollinating plants. Similarly, humans help in animal conservation.

The bond between humans and animals is precious. It’s about mutual respect, care, and survival.

250 Words Essay on Relationship Between Humans and Animals

The profound connection.

The relationship between humans and animals stretches back to the dawn of humanity. This bond, shaped by mutual dependence and shared experiences, has evolved over millennia, reflecting the complexities of our social, cultural, and ecological systems.

The Coexistence Paradigm

Humans and animals have coexisted since time immemorial. This coexistence has been driven by various factors, including survival, companionship, and spiritual beliefs. The domestication of animals for agriculture, transportation, and companionship showcases the practical aspects of this relationship. However, the spiritual and symbolic significance of animals in various cultures underscores a deeper, more profound connection.

Ecological Interdependence

The ecological interdependence between humans and animals is critical for the survival of both species. Animals play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, contributing to biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. Humans, in turn, have a responsibility to ensure the conservation and protection of animal species and their habitats.

Human-Animal Bond

The human-animal bond is a unique and powerful aspect of our relationship with animals. This bond, often characterized by affection and mutual respect, has profound psychological benefits for humans, including stress relief, improved mental health, and enhanced social skills.

The relationship between humans and animals is multifaceted and deeply ingrained in our existence. As we move forward, it is crucial to foster this relationship with respect and empathy, understanding our shared histories, and acknowledging our mutual dependence for a sustainable future.

500 Words Essay on Relationship Between Humans and Animals

The interconnectedness of humans and animals.

From time immemorial, humans and animals have shared a complex relationship, characterized by mutual dependence, shared environments, and evolving interactions. This relationship is a multidimensional one, encompassing various aspects such as companionship, food supply, ecological balance, and even spiritual significance.

Companionship and Emotional Bonding

The bond between humans and animals, especially pets, is a testament to the emotional connection that can exist between different species. Pets offer unconditional love, companionship, and even therapeutic benefits. Studies have shown that pet ownership can reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase overall life satisfaction. This companionship extends beyond pets, as humans often form emotional connections with wild animals, showcasing empathy and compassion for all living beings.

Economic and Nutritional Dependence

Animals play a crucial role in human survival and prosperity. Livestock provides us with food, clothing, and other by-products, while animals like horses and oxen have historically been used for transportation and agricultural work. Even today, in many developing countries, animals are a major source of livelihood. This economic and nutritional dependence on animals underscores the practical aspect of the human-animal relationship.

The intricate web of life on Earth is a delicate balance of interactions between various organisms, including humans and animals. Animals contribute to biodiversity, maintain ecological balance, and participate in crucial processes such as pollination and nutrient cycling. The extinction of a single species can disrupt the entire ecosystem, highlighting the interdependence of humans and animals in maintaining the health of our planet.

Spiritual and Symbolic Significance

In many cultures, animals hold spiritual and symbolic significance. They are often revered as deities, used as totems, and featured prominently in folklore and mythology. This spiritual connection with animals speaks to the deeper, more abstract aspects of the human-animal relationship.

The Ethical Dimension

Despite these positive aspects, the human-animal relationship is not without its ethical dilemmas. Issues such as animal rights, cruelty, and the environmental impact of animal agriculture are increasingly coming to the fore. As we advance in our understanding of animal cognition and emotions, it becomes imperative to reevaluate our relationship with animals and strive for a more ethical, compassionate coexistence.

The relationship between humans and animals is an intricate tapestry woven with threads of companionship, dependence, interdependence, spiritual significance, and ethical considerations. It is a relationship that has evolved over millennia and continues to evolve in response to changing societal norms, scientific understanding, and ethical considerations. As we move forward, it is crucial that we nurture this relationship, recognizing the value of animals not just for their utility, but also for their intrinsic worth and the richness they add to our shared world.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Killing Wild Animals
• Essay on Extinct Animals
• Essay on Can Animals Think

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Human-Environment Relationships and Interaction Essay

Introduction.

Humans and the environment are closely connected and related to each other. That is why the actions of humans have consequences for the latter, and the environment affects the former. There are plenty of factors to consider to evaluate these two’s influence. Different strategies, perspectives, and concepts are used to explain the relationship between human activities and natural landscapes.

Different human activities alter landscapes in a variety of ways. Human actions can have a significant impact on an area’s ecosystem and geography. When it comes to things that change the look of the landscape, things like strip mining and open-pit mining are rather evident, but others are more subtle—human actions can have a significant impact on the hydrological cycle, erosion, and more. However, it is vital to assess the significance of places by identifying their physical and/or human features. In fact, in order to address the problems regarding the alteration of landscapes by human activities, a collective approach should be taken. Among the consequences of human activities on Earth are global warming and climate change. Climate change mitigation is frequently viewed as an issue requiring communal effort. This occurs when people refuse to lower their own emissions. While it is in our individual interests to continue emitting, it is in our collective interest to minimize emissions. The issue of climate change needs to be addressed as it has many threats to the environment, such as the extinction of animals and natural disasters.

One of the factors facilitating the change of landscapes due to human activities is urbanization. The population transfer from rural to urban regions, the resulting decline in the number of people in rural areas, and the methods by which societies adjust to this transition are all referred to as urbanization . Among other factors is the increase in plastic use, which adversely affects the environment. Plastic takes a long time to break down, and as it goes to the ocean, it pollutes water resources and makes it difficult to clean up the ocean.

Demographic patterns and population distribution are influenced by physical features and natural resources. It means that the distribution of various physical features, such as forests and water landscapes, among the location of the natural resources mines affect the distribution of populations. Thus, demographic patterns of growth, decline, and movement are also influenced by these factors. The abundance of natural resources and the presence of different physical features might help not only to follow the trends of the global population but also to predict its movement and distribution of it. The more natural resources there are at the specific place, and the more physical resources such as oceans and seas there are, the place is more likely to see economic development. The economically developed places attract more people, and thus, the population at particular places could be predicted. Economic growth is favored by the movement of the population, among the refugees and internally displaced people.

A geographic region may encompass a variety of physical features and/or human interactions. Environmental factors and humans, in fact, influence each other in different ways. Human activities, such as mining, fishing, manufacturing, and more, bring changes to the environment. People use natural resources and exploit natural places by creating resorts. Moreover, people pollute the environment by throwing plastic into the water, gases into the air, and more. The consequences are air and water pollution, deforestation, global warming, and the extinction of animals. The environment also influences people; for example, the movement of the population is impacted by the distribution of natural resources and physical objects. On the other hand, such natural phenomena as floods, volcanic eruptions, snowstorms, and other natural disasters are not appealing to people and make them move to another place. Usually, people tend to move to places with a pleasant climate, an abundance of natural resources, and places close to seaports, as these are attracting factors for living, and also such factors positively influence the economic growth of the region.

Analyzing data from a variety of resources allows us to better understand the globally connected world. Using geographic inquiry processes and skills to gather, interpret and analyze data helps to find decisions for a variety of situations related to humans and the environment. One of the tools used for this is the geographic information system (GIS). Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer programs that analyze and display geographically relevant information. If rare plants are found in three different locations, GIS analysis can show that all the plants were found on more than 1,000 feet of north-facing slopes, which receive more than 10 inches of rain per year (United States Government). There are many applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in geosciences, biology, resource management, and other subjects.

In conclusion, the relationship between humans and the environment is vital to understand in order to access both environmental and population trends. Interaction between people and the environment leads to a variety of consequences. Such factors as the distribution of resources, location of the physical objects, industrialization, trades, and natural resource demands influence the movement of the population. That is why analyzing data regarding landscapes is important for predicting global population trends. The development of strategies, both political and geographical, has a role in interpreting and analyzing the influence of humans on landscapes and the influence of environmental factors on population.

United States Government. “What is a geographic information system (GIS)?” Web.

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IvyPanda. (2022, December 28). Human-Environment Relationships and Interaction. https://ivypanda.com/essays/human-environment-relationships-and-interaction/

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Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Human-Environment Relationships and Interaction." December 28, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/human-environment-relationships-and-interaction/.

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