Intervention Proposal

Applied social psychology

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University

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Introduction

Applied social theory plays a significant role in the lives of individuals. This concept relates to how people operate and react with one another (Lewandowski & Bizzoco, 2007). There is a need to extend the focal point according to the positive psychological movement, from the narrow area of stress recovery to encompass the research of factors of resilience which do promote flourishing as well as the wellbeing of the people in a relationship after breakups. Research done before has majorly concentrated on the issue of relationship break up which are associated with a post-separation issue like stress (Lewandowski and Bizzocco). The applied social theory is a significant field since it is relevant to my topic of discussion that deals with relationship breakups and surrounding interpersonal issues and a conclusion which reinforces my claim.

Role theory

Role theory is fundamentally concerned with the features of individual social life, and behavior patterns (Lewandowski & Bizzoco, 2007). The role theory explains significant roles through presuming that every individual is a member of a social position, and everyone holds a certain degree of expectations for their behaviors, and those of others. Role concepts have sparked a lot of research in social psychology, especially in dealing with relationships, breakups, good times and the bad among individuals in the society. However, most of the research in this field portrays derived concepts and practical concerns on consensus, conformity, role taking and inevitable conflicts.

Confusions and disagreements are bound to be present primarily in social interactions, and role theory possesses an intriguing dilemma. According to this theory, human beings tend to behave in ways that are different and very predictable. In case of relationship's which in some cases lead to breakups, it is straightforward to judge an individual by their actions and predict their next course of action at the same time. This, however, highly depends on the social identifies of an individual and more so, the situation at hand.

The role theory treats life as a metaphor and compares it to situations in a theatre (Monroe et al., 1999). For instance, individuals in real life are differentiated by their actions, which are very predictable. In the same way, performances in the theatre are at the same time, differentiated and predictable. This is because all actors are constrained to perform arts which are script specific. The role theory makes it very reasonable to believe that social behaviors are associated with parts understood by each.

Evidently, breakups remain the primary cause of social distress research shows the different behaviors which are portrayed by the different individual, which are predictable and differ depending on social situations (Monroe et al., 1999). These situations relate to the different circumstances of relationship breakups. While others are genuinely committed to their relationships, others are mainly passing the time. The role theory has helped highlight significant behavioral changes, perspectives and social interactions which individuals have embraced based on different circumstances that affect their desires and expectations.

Cognitive theory

The cognitive theory has a lot of meaning, and purpose especially about relationships between one person and the other in the society (Monroe et al., 1999). Cognitive theory has a lot of contrast with the reinforcement theory. This theory is keen to make complete sense of behavior among individuals, based on underlying perceptions and meanings of life. Cognitive processes are highly linked to perception, memory, and judgment, not excluding the component of problem-solving and decision making. Relationships in real life require all the cognitive aspects, either to thrive or break up.

In some cases, some individuals are tortured mentally because of relationship situations they were put through (Frazier & Cook, 1993). Breakup is not necessarily meant to destabilize the mental health of a person, but to increase their esteem and social wellbeing in the society. Individuals who do not experience much distress after breakups are more likely to be responsible for initiating the breakup, have access to better psychosocial support, found someone else and even ending up being separated for so long. The power of these factors unfortunately in a bid to explain such scenarios is entirely unsatisfying since they are more contextual and thus do not offer much opportunity for intervention.

One form of cognitive structure among individuals in the society is referred to as Schema. This refers to a basic sketch which represents what a person knows about a specific thing, and how they can organize their understanding of the same (Frazier & Cook, 1993). Schemas help individuals in the information processing phases, about the world in a more efficient manner. The cognitive aspect is what makes people in relationships understand each other, know about the other person, their behaviors, and understand their underlying preferences about yours. Schemas also play a role in helping individuals to remember information, draw inferences about people, despite incomplete information, and know what to expect (Frazier & Cook, 1993). However, these abilities are also a source of stereotyping, which is a cause of most relationship breakups in the long run.

Evolutionary theory

The evolutionary theory helps to govern human behavior and social behavior. Both the social characteristics of individuals as well as their physical characteristic are subject to process evolution. These, therefore, have a significant impact on how individuals may end up passing on genetic materials through reproduction. in relationships, the most ironical aspect is that people come together in love, or lust for whatever reasons they have, while they belong to complete different backgrounds altogether (Frazier & Cook, 1993).

The evolutionary theory is viewed as an explanation for rational behavior and change in behavior over time, even among individuals. This theory is also put into [respective when explaining the significant differences between males and females in the society. While most males can seek out multiple sexual partners, females tend to be contented and stick to one primary partner once they make such decisions. The cause of most breakups includes infidelity and multiple sexual partners, which gets all its answers from this prominent theory of social psychology.

The symbolic internationalism theory

Symbolic interactionism theory holds on to the fact that individuals communicate with each other using symbols. Based on my understanding of the social psychology theories and perspectives, the symbols do not necessarily imply the use of gestures but are more focused on actions from one person to the other (Frazier & Cook, 1993). Objects have no inherent meaning, but these meanings are understood and shared through understanding. The importance of self-has been considerably highlighted in the symbolic interactionism perspective.

Effective communication is very important and requires role raking, which is also helpful to most relationships, to avoid breakups. Most individuals tend to strive, for the sake of maintaining a sense of self (Gary, 2007). For example, if you are repeatedly turned down in a relationship, this might end up affecting the self-esteem, and you tend to develop a negative self-image. Evidently, relationships shape our perceptions and social interactions shape conceptions of who we are.

Reinforcement theory

This theory highly emphasized the aspects of the behavioral perspective. The theory is specifically focused on explaining the kind of behaviors which are less likely or likely to reoccur among individuals. Relationships tend to be complicated, especially if people keep repeating actions which result in negative rewards (Gary, 2007). Heartbreaks are in most cases, avoidable. The theory plays a major role in contributing to the emphasis on the need to encourage some behaviors, and the importance of discouraging others.

The process is referred to as conditioning. Partners can, therefore, make reinforcements on the behaviors of others, which may either be positive or negative. Where relationship problems escalate, and partners seek expert advice, this theory is generally used by most family therapists primarily to help the partners understand the behaviors of others. In recognition of these behaviors, it becomes easier to interact and understand the strengths and weaknesses of others more positively.

Conclusion

Occurrences in the social lives of individuals vary, depending on how they handle the problems, and personal esteem levels (Gary, 2007). There is a need to realize that relationship issues need not end anyone with depression, as the challenges of coping with breaking up can be dealt with much earlier, and more professionally. Social psychologists believe in the power of the mind, and the ability to transform one's whole life into understanding how they perceive certain situations (Gary, 2007). This paper has correctly recognized the impact of relationships and breakups, in the life of individuals, and the conclusion reaffirms that the contents are related to the thesis in consideration.

References

Lewandowski, G. W., & Bizzoco, N. M. (2007). Addition through subtraction: Growth following the dissolution of a low-quality relationship. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 2(1),40 54. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17439760601069234

Monroe, S. M., Rohde, P., Seeley, J. R., & Lewinsohn, P. M. (1999). Life events and depression in adolescence: Relationship loss as a prospective risk factor for the first onset of the major depressive disorder. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 108, 606-614. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0021-843X.108.4.606

Frazier, P. A., & Cook, S. W. (1993). Correlates of distress following heterosexual relationship dissolution. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 10(1), 55-67.

Gary, L. (2007). Addition through subtraction: Growth following the dissolution of a low-quality relationship. Journal of positive psychology. Retrieved from: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17439760601069234