Interpersonal Relationships
An understanding of the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships.
Related Courses and Supporting Documents
FSHS 301 The Helping Relationship
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FSHS 350 Family Relationships and Gender Roles
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FSHS 506 Middle Child and Adolescents
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FSHS 550 The Family
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FSHS 670 Working with Parents
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PSYCH 110 General Psychology
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SOCIO 211 Introduction to Sociology- In this class one of the first papers we wrote was about how people act in institutions, institutions meaning any social area that people gather at. This document relates to this content area because I had to observe people, and their interactions with others, along with the institution. This can be read here.
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ANTH 200 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology- I had to interview a person who was "different" than me, and reflect on what I learned. I believe this relates to interpersonal relationships because I had to talk, and learn from someone else and see things from their point of view. This can be read here.
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SOCWK 100 Social Work: The Helping Profession
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SOCWK 200 Basic Skills for Working with People
Interpersonal relationships are vital to individuals and their development. Understanding communication and interpersonal relationships is essential for family professionals to effectively do their jobs. No matter who you are you will always have to communicate with someone whether it be family, friends, significant other, a boss, coworker, or client. Everyone needs to know how to effectively build, and maintain relationships.
The Social Exchange Theory can be used for the content area regarding relationships because everyone ways out the pros and cons, costs and benefits, of whether a relationship is worth it or not. Attachment Theory is another theory that I feel really encompasses this area of content. People that are securely attached to their parents are more likely to have better interpersonal relationships with others, because they are able to trust other individuals instead of being concerned with whether or not they are going to disappoint them or leave them. Individuals in these relationships are able to share their life with other people and let others share with them.
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Reflection
Interpersonal relationships are very important because you'r always going to have to communicate with people. Knowing how to communicate with people effectively will help you succeed at work, with friends, and with your family.
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Right now I am trying to sell my house, and have been communicating back and forth with my buyer via email. My parent's always want me to check what I wrote with them first so that I don't end up saying the wrong thing. Throughout the process they have learned that I have known the exact thing to say, and that I am able to handle this transaction without their help. They were honestly surprised with how mature, and coherent I was able to sound. I told them that I didn't spend the last 4 years learning how to effectively communicate with people for nothing! With all humor aside, my studies really have helped me to positively communicate with people, and develop quality interpersonal relationships.
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In my future career I hope to continue being able to develop relationships. As a search for my career I will need to make connections, and be someone that an acquaintance will want to refer future employers to. If I get a job in education I will need to be able to have positive relationships with my students, as well as their parents, and my coworkers to be successful.