The basic types of relations

Psychology seeks to fully understand human behavior. So it must study man in relation not only to himself but also to other individuals, groups of which he or she is a member and to objects in his physical environment. The basic relationships can be divided into five categories: (1)person-to-person relationships; (2) person-to-group relationships; (3) group-to-group relationships; (4) intrapersonal relationships; (5) person-to-object relationships.

Person-to person relationships is the simplest form of social interaction.The fact is that to a larger extent our happiness depends on the relations that we build with other individuals.

Person-to-group relationships. We all belong to various groups, clubs, political groups which form the structure of modern society. We are to learn to maintain constructive, cooperative relations with the groups we are in contact.

Group-to-group relationships. Psychologists believe that problems among groups can be solved in much the same manner as problems of individual relations.

Intrapersonal relationships. These are those psychological activities that occur within the individual himself. Sometimes it is as though there are two or more “you’s”. One of the “you’s” wants to do a certain thing, but the other refuses to do this.

Person-to-object-relationships. Man’s existence depend also on his relationships with the objects in the physical world. Psychological studies have shown how the individual perception of the physical world may be affected by his particular needs, past experiences and expectations.

III. Do the following exercises:

Exercise 1. Read the following words and word – combinations correctly:

human behavior, individual, group, relationships, intrapersonal, personal happiness, constructive and cooperative relationships, modern society, the same manner, to occur within the individual, psychological activity.

Exercise 2. Fill in the blanks with the proper prepositions:

to study man … relation …other individuals; to depend …; the psychology is concerned … the following categories; the form … social interaction; to deal … different groups; to solve … the same manner; perception … the physical world.

Exercise 3. Translate the following sentences into Russian:

1. Our prisons are populated by individuals whose relations with society have been unsuccessful. 2. Modern society is racked by discord among groups. 3. Man’s adjustment, comfort and happiness depend not only on his interactions with other human beings. 4. Modern psychologists agree that man’s knowledge and understanding of the physical world is dependent upon his perception of it.