Theme 1 Development of Primary relationships
Definitions and theories
Part 1, Chapter 9
A primary relationships is a relationship that exists to the extent that two people exert strong,
frequent, and diverse effects on one another over an extended period of time.
- Interdependence; always two people that depend on one another
- Need fulfillment; what people get out of a relationship
- Emotional effects; emotional connection between the two people
All relationships will be discussed over a lifespan perspective.
Relationships have an important impact on mental and physical health; social relationships of less
quality die earlier, have more illnesses, poorer health conditions, poor immune system and slower
healing.
Most research has been done on marriage. Has been associated with all kinds of health advantages,
better health when no divorce or no loss of partner ever. People who remarry tend to show better
health then people who lose a partner and stay alone after that. It is not about how long you have
been married, but just if you are married or not. Not true for all marriages; just an average.
Unhealthy marriage; associated with poor health.
In 70s men benefit most of marriage, women where more likely to show depressive symptoms,
marriage was not equal, women had to be submissive. In recent findings; men more externalizing
effects (alcoholism) from bad marriage, women show more internalizing problems.
Theories of how a divorce can have a negative effect on our health
- Social selection hypothesis; because peoples health is deteriorating, their marriage is more
likely to break down.
- Social causation hypothesis; the divorce causes the mental health problems.
- Both hypotheses are likely true
New relationships, effect on health; people with the most connections to others, showed better
mental health, but worse physical health (increased risk behavior).
Part 2 ; determinants of relationships; which factors decide with whom we form relationships,
Chapter 3
Most important factor is proximity, how close we are from someone, physical distance (meters). Also
functional distance, the chance that you will come into contact with each other (having common
friends). Proximity is important all over the lifespan and influences the quality of the relationship.
Also most determinant factor for enemies. Internet is mostly used for maintaining relationships.
Similarity; how much are you alike to another person. Both romantic and friends are similar in;
demographic, attitudes, personality, popularity, physical attraction.
Matching hypothesis; we choose partners who are equally as attractive as ourselves.