What is Interpersonal relationship?

Interpersonal relationship in Hospital settings:

What is Interpersonal relationship?

An interpersonal relationship is a strong, deep, or close association or acquaintance between two or more people that may range in duration from brief to enduring. This association may be based on inference, love, solidarity, regular business interactions, or some other type of social commitment. Interpersonal relationships are formed in the context of social, cultural and other influences. The context can vary from family or kinship relations, friendship, marriage, relations with associates, work, clubs, neighborhoods, and places of worship. They may be regulated by law, custom, or mutual agreement, and are the basis of social groups and society as a whole.

The study of interpersonal relationships involves several branches of the social sciences, including such disciplines as sociology, psychology, anthropology, and social work. Interpersonal skills are extremely vital when trying to develop a relationship with another person. The scientific study of relationships evolved during the 1990s and came to be referred to as 'relationship science, which distinguishes itself from anecdotal evidence or pseudo‐experts by basing conclusions on data and objective analysis. Interpersonal ties are also a subject in mathematical sociology.

Interpersonal relationships are dynamic systems that change continuously during their existence. Like living organisms, relationships have a beginning, a lifespan, and an end. They tend to grow and improve gradually, as people get to know each other and become closer emotionally, or they gradually deteriorate as people drift apart, move on with their lives and form new relationships with others.

Positive psychologists use the various terms "flourishing, budding, blooming, blossoming relationships" to describe interpersonal relationships that are not merely happy, but instead characterized by intimacy, growth, and resilience. Flourishing relationships also allow a dynamic balance between focus on the intimate relationships and focus on other social relationships.

Individuals in an interpersonal relationship must share common goals and objectives. They should have more or less similar interests and think on the same lines. It is always better if individuals come from similar backgrounds.

Individuals in an interpersonal relationship must respect each other’s views and opinions. A sense of trust is important.

Individuals must be attached to each other for a healthy interpersonal relationship.

Transparency plays a pivotal role in interpersonal relationship. It is important for an individual to be honest and transparent.

·              A list of Interpersonal Skills includes:

Verbal Communication ‐ What we say and how we say it.

Nonverbal Communication ‐ What we communicate without words, body language is an example.

Listening Skills ‐ How we interpret both the verbal and non‐verbal messages sent by others.

Negotiation ‐ Working with others to find a mutually agreeable outcome.

Problem Solving ‐ Working with others to identify, define and solve problems. Decision

Making – Exploring and analyzing options to make sound decisions.

Assertiveness – Communicating our values, ideas, beliefs, opinions, needs and wants freely.

·              Forms of Interpersonal relationship

An interpersonal relationship can develop between any of the following:

·     Individuals working together in the same organization.

·     People working in the same team.

·     Relationship between a man and a woman (Love, Marriage).

·     Relationship with immediate family members and relatives.

·     Relationship of a child with his parents.

·     Relationship between friends.