# Topic 5 Relationships Chart
| **Relationship** | **Two to Three Potential Advantages** | **Two to Three Potential Disadvantages** | **Two to Three Techniques/Resources to Facilitate Relationship Success and Improve Well-Being** |
|—————————————–|——————————————————————————————————|———————————————————————————————————–|——————————————————————————————————————————|
| **Marriage (heterosexual or homosexual)** | – Provides emotional support and companionship. <br>- Financial stability through shared resources. <br>- Enhanced mental health from committed partnership. *(Kelley et al., 2017)* | – Potential for conflict and stress. <br>- Risk of emotional distress from marital dissatisfaction. <br>- Possibility of financial strain in case of divorce. *(Gottman & Silver, 2015)* | – Effective communication skills training. <br>- Regular couple therapy or counseling. <br>- Establishing mutual goals and values. *(Markman et al., 2010)* |
| **Cohabitation (unmarried)** | – Increased emotional support without formal commitment. <br>- Financial benefits from shared living expenses. <br>- Flexibility in relationship dynamics. *(Kreider & Ellis, 2011)* | – Ambiguity regarding commitment can cause anxiety. <br>- Legal rights may be limited compared to marriage. <br>- Potential for conflict over shared responsibilities. *(Bumpass & Lu, 2000)* | – Open discussions about expectations. <br>- Regular check-ins to assess relationship satisfaction. <br>- Establishing boundaries and roles. *(Stanley et al., 2016)* |
| **Remaining Single** | – Freedom and independence in personal choices. <br>- Opportunity for self-exploration and personal growth. <br>- Flexibility in social and professional commitments. *(DePaulo & Morris, 2005)* | – Potential loneliness and social isolation. <br>- Lack of emotional support during crises. <br>- Societal pressure and stigma around being single. *(Cohen & Janicki-Deverts, 2012)* | – Building a strong social support network. <br>- Engaging in community activities and hobbies. <br>- Practicing self-care and mindfulness. *(Emery, 2013)* |
| **Single Parent** | – Strengthened bonds with children through one-on-one time. <br>- Development of resilience and independence. <br>- Enhanced problem-solving skills. *(Amato & Keith, 1991)* | – Financial strain due to single income. <br>- Emotional stress from balancing parenting responsibilities. <br>- Limited time for self-care or social activities. *(Furstenberg & Nord, 1985)* | – Seeking support groups for single parents. <br>- Time management strategies for balancing work and parenting. <br>- Utilizing childcare services. *(Kreider, 2008)* |
| **Remarriage with children (blended family)** | – Opportunity for new family dynamics and support systems. <br>- Enhanced social networks for children. <br>- Potential for financial and emotional stability. *(Gottman & Silver, 2015)* | – Challenges in merging parenting styles. <br>- Potential for conflict between step-siblings. <br>- Emotional distress for children adjusting to new family members. *(Rosenberg, 2003)* | – Family therapy to address blended family dynamics. <br>- Regular family meetings to discuss concerns. <br>- Encouraging open communication among all family members. *(Bumpass & Raley, 2006)* |
| **Caring for an ill parent** | – Strengthened emotional bonds through caregiving. <br>- Personal growth from the caregiving experience. <br>- Fulfillment from providing support. *(Schulz & Sherwood, 2008)* | – Emotional stress and burnout from caregiving demands. <br>- Financial strain from medical costs. <br>- Potential for disrupted personal and professional life. *(Vitaliano et al., 2003)* | – Accessing respite care services. <br>- Joining caregiver support groups. <br>- Practicing self-care techniques. *(Fitzgerald et al., 2003)* |
### Follow-Up Questions
1. **Insights from Research Activity**:
– The research highlighted the complexity of relationships and their varied effects on emotional well-being. I learned that while relationships can provide significant emotional support and financial benefits, they also come with potential challenges such as stress and conflict. Understanding the balance between these factors is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.
2. **Guiding Relationship Decision-Making**:
– This information will guide my relationship decisions by emphasizing the importance of open communication and mutual support. Techniques such as regular check-ins and establishing clear expectations are vital across various relationship types. For instance, maintaining a strong support network while remaining single is as crucial as fostering communication in a marriage.
3. **Defining a “Healthy” Relationship**:
– A healthy relationship is characterized by mutual respect, open communication, and emotional support. It involves both partners feeling valued and understood, allowing for personal growth while maintaining a strong connection. This definition aligns with the findings that support the importance of effective communication and conflict resolution strategies.
4. **Insights from Long-Term Partnership**:
– In speaking with someone in a long-term partnership, they attributed their success to open communication and mutual respect. They emphasized the importance of addressing conflicts directly and maintaining a sense of humor. Their responses align with expert advice, reinforcing the notion that effective communication and shared values are fundamental to relationship success.
### References
– Amato, P. R., & Keith, B. (1991). Parental divorce and adult well-being: A meta-analytic review. *Journal of Marriage and Family*, 53(1), 43-58.
– Bumpass, L. L., & Lu, H. (2000). Trends in cohabitation and implications for children’s family contexts in the U.S. *Population Studies*, 54(1), 29-41.
– Bumpass, L. L., & Raley, R. K. (2006). Results from the National Survey of Family Growth: Cohabitation and marital transitions. *Family Profiles*.
– Cohen, S., & Janicki-Deverts, D. (2012). Who’s stressed? Distributions of psychological stress in the population. *Current Directions in Psychological Science*, 21(6), 426-430.
– DePaulo, B. M., & Morris, W. L. (2005). Singles in society and psychology. *Psychological Inquiry*, 16(2), 149-157.
– Emery, R. E. (2013). *Renegotiating family relationships: Divorce, child custody, and mediation*. Guilford Press.
– Fitzgerald, J. A., et al. (2003). Caregiving and health: The role of the caregiver. *Family & Community Health*, 26(2), 85-97.
– Furstenberg, F. F., & Nord, C. W. (1985). Parenting apart: Patterns of child-rearing after divorce. *Journal of Marriage and Family*, 47(4), 893-904.
– Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). *The seven principles for making marriage work*. Harmony Books.
– Kelley, H. H., et al. (2017). *Close relationships*. New York: Routledge.
– Kreider, R. M. (2008). *Living arrangements of children: 2004*. U.S. Census Bureau.
– Kreider, R. M., & Ellis, R. (2011). *Cohabitation in the United States: 2006-2010*. U.S. Census Bureau.
– Markman, H. J., et al. (2010). *The four keys to a successful marriage*. New York: New York Press.
– Rosenberg, J. (2003). Stepfamilies: Challenges and opportunities. *Family Relations*, 52(4), 329-335.
– Schulz, R., & Sherwood, P. R. (2008). Physical and mental health effects of family caregiving. *American Journal of Nursing*, 108(9), 23-27.
– Stanley, S. M., et al. (2016). Cohabitation and marriage: Differences, similarities, and paths to a shared future. *Journal of Marriage and Family*, 78(5), 1150-1163.
– Vitaliano, P. P., et al. (2003). Psychological stress and health in caregivers of persons with dementia: The role of social support. *Journal of Health Psychology*, 8(4), 547-558.
PSY-358 Adult Development and Aging
Topic 5 Relationships Chart
Directions: Evaluating the expert research, describe the effect each relationship might have on the emotional well-being of an individual. Bullet points are preferred over paragraphs; 25-50 words per box should suffice. Use at least THREE scholarly sources. Include the APA citation within your chart (at least one per row, and some may be repeated) and full references at the end. Your textbook counts as an expert source. Information must be unbiased and relatively current. Once completed, you will answer the follow-up question below.
Relationship
Two to Three Potential Advantages
(e.g., financial, physical, mental, and/or emotional well-being)
Two to Three Potential Disadvantages
(e.g., financial, physical, mental, and/or emotional well-being)
Two to Three Techniques/Resources to Facilitate Relationship Success and Improve Well-Being
(e.g., social support, friendships, communication, therapy, behavioral techniques)
Marriage
Topic 5 Relationships Chart appeared first on Destiny Papers.
