Informal and Formal Relationships
Understanding different types of relationships is crucial for social development across the life stages in health and social care.
Informal Relationships
Informal relationships develop within families and promote a positive self-concept, preparing adults for developing intimate relationships characterized by mutual respect.
Formal Relationships
Formal relationships develop between unrelated individuals, such as colleagues or teachers. While they don't include emotional attachments, they are important for social development.
Example: A student-teacher relationship is a formal relationship that contributes to social development.
Benefits of Adult Friendships
Adult friendships offer numerous advantages:
- Increase sense of belonging
- Boost happiness
- Reduce stress
Independence and Freedom
As individuals progress through life stages, they gain independence and freedom from control, influence, and support.
Infancy and Childhood
Children develop independence by:
- Feeding themselves
- Dressing themselves
- Washing their own hands
- Doing chores around the house
Peer Influence on Adolescence
Peer influence during adolescence can have both positive and negative effects:
Positive:
- Improves self-worth
- Boosts confidence
- Encourages getting a part-time job
- Motivates learning to drive
- Promotes use of public transport
Negative:
- May lead to skipping school
