Personal Power and Relationships

Stage 8 Study Notes

Term 1: Personal Power

Communication Skills

Constructive Disagreement

  • Importance of communication in sustaining friendships.

  • Follow These Five Steps to Keep Disagreements Constructive:

    1. Avoid Personal Attacks: Focus on issues rather than personal characteristics.

    2. Respect Ideas and Beliefs: Do not belittle the other person's thoughts.

    3. Use 'I' Statements: Express feelings, thoughts, wants, or needs from a personal perspective (e.g., "I feel…", "I think…").

    4. Listen Actively: Pay attention to the other person’s points, showing that you value their perspective.

    5. Maintain Composure: Stay calm to facilitate a productive conversation.

Relationships and Friendships

Constructive vs. Destructive Relationships

  • Relationships can be either constructive (beneficial) or destructive (harmful).

  • Acceptable behaviors in a positive relationship include:

    • Show Appreciation: Regularly express gratitude.

    • Take Interest: Show curiosity about your friend’s life.

    • Build Trust: Establish and maintain trustworthiness.

    • Have Fun Together: Enjoy shared activities.

    • Provide Support: Be there for each other, especially in tough times.

  • An acceptable relationship encompasses the following core components:

    • Trust: Confidence in the reliability of the relationship.

    • Communication: Open exchange of thoughts and feelings.

    • Respect: Acknowledging each other’s individuality and boundaries.

    • Honesty: Being truthful with one another.

    • Support: Providing emotional and practical help.

    • Equality: Ensuring balanced power dynamics.

    • Individuality: Respecting each other’s separate identities.

Self Image

Ending a Friendship Appropriately

  • Sometimes friendships can become destructive or may no longer fit our lives, necessitating an end.

  • Important steps for ending a friendship correctly:

    1. Explain Yourself: Clarify your reasons for ending the friendship.

    2. Be Honest: Provide truthful communication about your feelings.

    3. Be Direct: Communicate your intentions straightforwardly.

    4. Be Firm: Maintain your stance without wavering.

    5. Be Clear: Ensure your message is understood.

    6. Tie Up Loose Ends: Resolve any outstanding matters respectfully.

    7. Be Brief: Keep the conversation succinct to avoid prolonged discomfort.

    8. Be Gracious: Exit the relationship on a positive note, if possible.

  • Definition of Self Image: The mental picture of oneself, which influences confidence and self-perception.

  • Importance: A strong self-image allows individuals to adhere to their values and beliefs, fostering authenticity rather than the need to impress.

Self Concept Formation

Positive Self Talk

  • Positive self talk can significantly contribute to success and goal attainment.

  • It can develop into a habit for ongoing success.

  • Examples of positive affirmations include:

    • "I am powerful."

    • "I am enough."

    • "I am confident."

    • "I get better every single day."

Influences on Self Image

Factors Influencing Self Image

  • Self-image can be shaped by various external and internal factors, such as:

    1. Actions and Behaviour: How one conducts themselves.

    2. Interests and Abilities: Personal skills and pursuits.

    3. Associations: Influence of friends and acquaintances.

    4. External Comments: Opinions of others, such as friends and family.

    5. Media Influence: Representations in media shapes perceptions of self-image.

    6. Cultural and Religious Background: Norms and values imparted by one’s culture or faith.

    7. Life Experiences: Personal experiences contribute to development of self-image.

Human Sexuality

Definition and Context

  • Human Sexuality: Refers to individuals' sexual interests, attractions, and behaviors, also encompassing thoughts, desires, attitudes, values, and relationships.

  • Definitions of Sexual Orientation:

    • Homosexual: Attraction to individuals of the same gender.

    • Bisexual: Attraction to individuals of both genders.

    • Heterosexual: Attraction to individuals of the opposite gender.

Influences on Sexuality

Friends and Peers

  • Friends play a crucial role in adolescence, acting as key sources of information and guidance.

  • The importance of choosing friends wisely, as they can heavily influence personal decisions, especially related to sexual behavior.

  • Peer pressure related to sexual activity increases during adolescence.

Family, Community, and Culture

  • Societal and cultural norms dictate various aspects of sexuality, including the age of sexual consent and views on topics like premarital sex and homosexuality.

  • Diese norms are internalized from an early age through family, education, peers, media, and religion.

Social Media Influence

  • Media platforms (TV, magazines, movies, music) exert pressure by portraying idealized sexual roles and standards for appearance.

  • Such portrayals can shape individuals’ perceptions of desirability and normality in sexual contexts.

Conclusion

Important Reminders

  • Sexuality is a natural part of development, and decisions made during this period can have lasting impacts.

  • It is essential to take care of oneself and make informed, healthy choices concerning sexual behavior and relationships.

Good Job!
Remember to review all content to prepare for your test/exams!