Dr M Dhamodharan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, was invited as a resource person to deliver a session on “Relationship and Self Development “from January 26-27, 2024, at the Two Days workshop on “Harvesting Youth Leadership-2024.”The workshop was organised by the Department of Social Work at Pondicherry Central University in collaboration with the Trust for Youth and Child Leadership (TYCL), Pondicherry.
Dr Dhamodharan’s expertise and insights on the topic added value to the workshop, which aimed to empower young individuals and cultivate leadership skills among the youth. The session provided a platform for participants to delve into the dynamics of relationships and personal growth, essential aspects for nurturing effective leadership qualities.
His contribution towards the event underscored the importance of understanding the link between relationships and self-development in the context of youth leadership.
Abstract
Relationship is a continuing and often committed association between two or more people, as in a family, friendship, marriage, partnership, or other interpersonal links in which the participants influence each other’s thoughts, feelings, and actions (APA,2020).
The connections we set up, the several types of love we meet, and the effects these interactions have on our personal development all have a significant impact on how we live as people. Understanding the many kinds of relationships that exist is the first step in any analysis of relationships.
Every sort of relationship, whether it be sexual or platonic, professional or familial, has its own dynamics, obstacles, and expectations. In the context of human relationships, love manifests as a complex and profound energy. Love affects the core of who we are and transcends cultural barriers in all its manifestations. Numerous love typologies have been proved by academics and psychologists to classify and understand these types. Love has many sides, ranging from the Greek concepts of Agape, Eros, and Philia to contemporary psychiatric theories. This investigation looks at the subtle differences between various kinds of love, emphasising the behavioural, cognitive, and emotional aspects of each.
A foundational work in the field of psychology, Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love is at the core of understanding love. According to this theory, love can be viewed as a triangle made up of three essential elements: commitment, passion, and intimacy. It explores the significance of each ingredient and how they interact to shape the different manifestations of love through a thorough investigation of Sternberg’s theory. The talk explains the practical applications, providing a window into how the theory may be used to understand and negotiate the intricacies of real-world interactions.
Furthermore, a comprehensive knowledge of the human experience requires the inclusion of self-development in the conversation about love and relationships. In all their manifestations, relationships function as mirrors that reflect our advantages, disadvantages, and potential growth areas. The reciprocal effects of relationships, love kinds, and self-development are particularly important in human life. Also explains. how people change because of their relationships, moulding and honing their identities to fit the demands of romantic relationships and close relationships.
Finally, this session might give light on the complex interactions that exist between self-development, Sternberg’s Triangular Theory, love categories, and relationship types. Participants may understand more about the complex interplay between love and personal development as well as the enormous impact that connections have on forming our identities by exploring these interconnected domains. This talk might give insightful guidance for the participants to navigating the intricate web of interpersonal interactions, supplying a road map for cultivating meaningful connections and promoting comprehensive self-development.