Family, Peer, and Intimate Relationships
Around the age of 18 young adult began to value relationships they have formed with their friends and family. They become more aware of the responsibility required in order to maintain a healthy relationship.During this time the young adult will spend less time with his family as work, friends and dating become priority.
Vulnerable Youth
However, young adults who experience developmental/emotional disabilities, as well as those transitioning out of foster care often experience a different peer and parent relationship. Young adults with disabilities, tend to have less interaction with peers and more interaction with family. While adults with who were placed in foster care become more isolated and self-reliant
Parent –Young Adult Relationship
•According to Hutchinson et. al(2011), “Three types of parent- young adult relationships with tend to emerge” (p.289).
–Dependent relationships
•Parents responds to child as needed
–Independent relationship
•Parents respond during emergency
–Interdependent
•Parents involvement is resented
–Dependent relationships
•Parents responds to child as needed
–Independent relationship
•Parents respond during emergency
–Interdependent
•Parents involvement is resented
Precursor to establishing relationships
Young Adults no Foster Care
•Establishing a “connection with a significant other”(Hutchinson et. al,2011, p.289), is based on significant factors in adolescence such as •A healthy relationship with the mother •The ability to adapt in the family i.e. able to resolve a conflict in a healthy manner |
Young Adults in Foster Care
•Difficulty in developing meaningful relationships because they are hesitant and distrustful (Stott, 2012, p.64) •Not emotionally invested •Socially isolated |
•Choosing a romantic partner is based on 3 factors (Hutchinson et.al,2011, p.291)
–Lust
•Sexual attraction
–Attraction
•Romantic interest
–Attachment
•security
Establishing Intimate Relationships
During this time most young adults feel they have found their soul mates and are establishing a foundation of intimacy to build a relationship, According to Hutchinson et.al,(2011) fostering intimacy requires:
–Reciprocal communication –Developing trust and security –Commitment to partner(p.290).
.
–Lust
•Sexual attraction
–Attraction
•Romantic interest
–Attachment
•security
Establishing Intimate Relationships
During this time most young adults feel they have found their soul mates and are establishing a foundation of intimacy to build a relationship, According to Hutchinson et.al,(2011) fostering intimacy requires:
–Reciprocal communication –Developing trust and security –Commitment to partner(p.290).
.
Although marriage or partnership generally increases a couple's support system it is important for social workers to realize that is not always the case.