Together we will dive into the ocean of psychological science where I will briefly introduce you to the major psychological schools and movements such as psychoanalysis, behaviorism, cognitive and Gestalt psychology.
We will then discuss the importance of mental health for harmonious romantic relationships and emphasize the importance of concepts such as psychological resilience, stoicism, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, optimism, and vitality.
However, even after this, a fundamental question remains - how does mental health affect romantic and familial relationships? To gain a deeper understanding, we will go beyond mental health norms and look at various mental health disorders and their manifestation in couples relationships. We will discuss personality disorders, complexes, and psychological trauma, which will help us understand why a partner reacts with certain defenses to your words or actions.
Given that the central concept of the entire Formula for Love series is developmental level, we will look at the evolution of defense mechanisms from primitive to more developed. We will then move beyond the psychoanalytic approach and look at this issue from the more modern concept of coping strategies.
I will deliberately present both views of these somewhat similar processes.
For some readers, the earlier concept of "defense mechanisms" will be easier to understand, while others will find the modern concept of "coping strategies" more accessible, which is related to the theory of stress we discussed in the book "The Biology of Relationships: Why People Form Couples".
In the coping section, we will explore coping strategies and their specificity for men and women. We will understand how expectations influence perception of a situation and answer the question about the importance of non-judgmental perception. Next, we will look at how a person's focus of attention affects their thinking and behavior and analyze the concepts of Locus of Control and Fundamental Attribution Error.
Then, we will look at different behavioral styles, their characteristics, and their impact on the dynamics of couple relationships. It will be of particular interest to learn how different behavior styles can influence communication between partners and the formation of your relationship.
In addition, for a deep understanding of both partners' behavior in a relationship, I will introduce you to the Milgram experiment. This experiment answered questions about why people behave one way in one situation and behave completely differently when the situation changes. Finally, we will look at the concept of learned helplessness, and discuss how it can affect your relationship with your partner.
In this book, you will find answers to many questions, including:
What is mental health?
Why is it important to cultivate optimism in oneself?
What are the risks of mental disorders for romantic relationships?
Why does anxiety affect harmony in a couple so much?
What are complexes and how are they formed?
Why does a mature partner not use primary defense mechanisms?
How to cope with stress?
What do inflate and lowered expectations lead to?
What is a self-fulfilling prophecy?
Why is evaluation a key element of our well-being?
What are the different types of coping strategies?
Why are assertive behaviors important for happy relationships?
Why does learned helplessness dictate a sacrificial stance in relationships?
Of course, the list of questions answered in this book is not limited to the ones mentioned. Therefore, read attentively and thoughtfully. Do not disregard the references provided in parentheses, even if you have already read a particular chapter.
Welcome to the fascinating world of psychology of relationships.