Psychology

Interpersonal relationship plays a great role in an individuals life. Simply defined, interpersonal relationship is a shared connection between two or more people. This connection is formed because the people involved share something in common. It may be in a form of a hobby or set of interests, or it is simply because of love that binds them.

Interpersonal relationship comes in different forms. Lovers, platonic lovers, family, and organization are all forms of interpersonal relationship (McCarthy, B.C. 2008). All have one thing in common  a positive environment where an individual is drawn closer and feel secured. It is also believed that a good relationship is formed along with the positive environment created which develops a mutual feeling of needs among the individuals.

Needs are vital in an individuals life according to thinkers or philosophers (Cassidy, J. 1999). That is the reason why needs are classified into different categories. The five categories of needs include physiological needs, safety, love or belonging, esteem, and most of all, self-actualization. These needs influence ones opinion, perspectives, and attitudes towards life. That is why needs are also determined when it comes to assessing oneself.

The term self-actualization refers to an individuals awareness of himself. Existential theory asserts the concept that we are alone (Wilde, L. 2004). But being alone does not mean that we cannot do something to progress or to have company. The sense of belonging or being part of something is actually a self actualization which means that the support must come first from us and not from others. This theory focuses mainly on ones freedom. In order for a person to shape his own life, one must be conscious that the choices or options are just there for us to choose without restraint. However, an individual must take responsibility on the consequences of the actions he or she chose.

Then, there is the Humanistic Theory. Simpler than the first theory, the Humanistic Theory is particular into ones self and his or her insight on experiences. This theory states that an individual is free to choose their own behavior that they think will lead to their personal development (Duncan, N.S. 2003). There are influences to ones behavior that comes particularly from the society where we live in. These influences will generate decision making of an individual.

Over the years, we manage to live life the way we want it to be. The Existential and Humanistic Theory played a huge role in our lives especially with our interpersonal relationships. No one wants to be alone. Due to this, we feel the need to belong. The theories taught us to be wise when it comes to choosing our behaviors, our options, and the people we want to be with. These theories serve as our guides to whether choose the good or the bad side of options.

Humanistic theory influences our interpersonal relationship through the experiences we gain from those relationships. As we gain experiences, we learn, and we become better people. We gain knowledge on the experiences we have and become more aware of the options that will lead us to self-growth or fulfillment.

Existential theory, similarly, influences our relationships through the consequences of our choices. No matter how awful or pleasant the consequences have been in our lives, we take responsibility for the decision that we chose. In this way, we also gain knowledge on what and what not to avoid when it comes to making decisions. As a result, both theories will lead an individual to self directed growth. We become improved in assessing what we need emotionally, physically, and mentally.