Close Relationships Brochure: You Will Be Required To Create ✓ Solved

Close Relationships Brochure : You will be required to create a brochure covering a problem relating to Close Relationships that is psychological in nature

Must Be Original 100% Plagiarism Free And Cited Correctly Rubric IMust Be Original 100% Plagiarism Free And Cited Correctly Rubric IMUST BE ORIGINAL, 100% PLAGIARISM FREE AND CITED CORRECTLY!! RUBRIC IS THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT Close Relationships Brochure : You will be required to create a brochure covering a problem relating to Close Relationships that is psychological in nature. In this brochure you should clearly define the chosen problem, identify the potential causes of this problem, and then provide advice on how to deal with the problem. All advice should be based on research that is properly cited within the brochure. Grades will be based on the clarity and quality of your problem definition (20 pts), identification of problem causes (20 pts), and suggestions for resolving or avoiding the problem (10 pts). This assignment is worth 50 points (12.5% of your total grade).

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Close relationships are fundamental to human psychological well-being. They foster emotional support, social connection, and personal growth. However, these relationships can also present significant challenges when problems arise. One common psychological issue in close relationships is emotional dependency, which can undermine personal autonomy and relationship stability. This brochure aims to explore emotional dependency within close relationships, its causes, and effective strategies to manage or prevent it based on empirical research.

Defining the Problem: Emotional Dependency in Close Relationships

Emotional dependency refers to a state where an individual relies excessively on their partner for emotional support, validation, and self-worth. This over-reliance often results in feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and loss of independence. According to Bowlby’s attachment theory (1969), insecure attachment styles—particularly anxious attachment—can predispose individuals to emotional dependency. People with anxious attachment patterns tend to seek constant reassurance, fearing abandonment, which can strain the relationship dynamics.

Causes of Emotional Dependency

The causes of emotional dependency are multifaceted and often stem from early life experiences, personality traits, and environmental factors. Key causes include:

  • Insecure Attachment Patterns: Early childhood experiences with caregivers significantly influence adult relationship behaviors (Ainsworth, 1989). Inconsistent caregiving can lead to anxious attachment, fostering dependency.
  • Low Self-Esteem: Individuals with poor self-esteem may seek external validation from their partners to compensate for internal feelings of inadequacy (Murray et al., 2000).
  • Trauma and Past Experiences: Past relationship failures or trauma can cause fear of abandonment and excessive clinginess as a protective mechanism (Johnson & Whiffen, 2003).
  • Personality Traits: High neuroticism and insecurity contribute to dependency behaviors (Costa & McCrae, 1992).

Strategies for Managing and Preventing Emotional Dependency

Research suggests several effective strategies for dealing with emotional dependency in close relationships:

  1. Building Self-Esteem: Engaging in self-affirmation activities and therapy can enhance self-worth, reducing reliance on partners for validation (Zeigler-Hill & McCabe, 2010).
  2. Developing Secure Attachment Styles: Psychotherapy, especially attachment-focused therapy, can help individuals develop healthy relationship patterns (Wallin, 2007).
  3. Enhancing Communication Skills: Open and honest communication fosters mutual understanding and reassurance, decreasing anxiety related to dependency (Markus & Nurius, 1986).
  4. Establishing Personal Boundaries: Healthy boundaries promote autonomy within the relationship, preventing overdependence (Kantor & Lowe, 2012).
  5. Seeking Support and Counseling: Professional counseling can address underlying issues such as trauma, anxiety, and self-esteem, promoting healthier dependency levels (Johnson, 2004).

Conclusion

Emotional dependency is a prevalent issue that can create distress and imbalance within close relationships. Understanding its roots—such as insecure attachment, low self-esteem, and past trauma—enables individuals to adopt effective management strategies. Promoting self-awareness, securing attachment styles, and developing healthy communication and boundaries are key to fostering sustainable and healthy relationships. Continued research and therapeutic interventions remain vital in addressing this complex psychological problem.

References

  • Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1989). Attachments beyond infancy. American Psychologist, 44(4), 709–716.
  • Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Volume I. Attachment. Basic Books.
  • Costa, P. T., & McCrae, R. R. (1992). Four ways five factors are basic. Personality and Individual Differences, 13(6), 653–665.
  • Johnson, S. M., & Whiffen, V. E. (2003). attachments perceptions and relationship satisfaction. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 20(1), 153–171.
  • Johnson, S. M. (2004). The practice of emotionally focused couple therapy: Creating connection. Brunner-Routledge.
  • Kantor, G., & Lowe, J. (2012). The relational perspective: Effects of boundary-setting on relationship health. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(2), 278–290.
  • Murray, S. L., Holmes, J. G., & Griffin, D. W. (2000). The role of self-esteem in overcoming the disadvantages of low relationship quality. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 78(2), 377–393.
  • Wallin, D. J. (2007). Attachment in Psychotherapy. Guilford Press.
  • Zeigler-Hill, V., & McCabe, J. E. (2010). Self-esteem. In S. J. Lopez (Ed.), The Encyclopedia of Positive Psychology (pp. 815–820). Wiley.

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