Friends

Question 1

What are the elements that define friends and friendships

Answer 1

Friends:
> status-matched
> close
> non familial (voluntary)

Friendships:
> supportive
> reinforcing
> Mutual/reciprocal

Question 2

What makes a system

Answer 2

> existance of multiple elements
each element has to have their own purpose, which makes them unique
each system has to have their purpose
each system has to have their own needs and limitations

Question 3

Explain Rubin’s relationship system and the three variations of friendship

Answer 3

> Depicts the relationships and their complexity that a children may face.
In a nested framework, the more center the relationship is, the simpler the relationship is to handle.

1. individual: acknowledging that the child is unique
2. interactions: any kind of interactions that the child may have with others
3. relationships: stable and repeated interactions with a person > with a sense of meaning = friendship
   > closeness, frequency and duration
4. peer groups: share a same value and culture.

Question 4

Four elements of a dynamic system

Answer 4

1. each system has to have a specific needs and purposes
2. each element can also be their own system
3. relationship of the elements in the system is defined by the elements
4. the change of the relationship of the system can change the outcome of the system

Question 5

How do friendships shape youth development

Answer 5

1. cognitive skills
   > provides opportunities for offering and receiving constructive feedback, which enhances learning
   > social constructivism: student can learn more effectively under the environment that everyone shares an equal relationship. Maximises the willingness of providing and receiving constructive feedback.
2. Emotional support and validation
   > emotional support when the child is undergoing something unpleasant. Celebrating and provide stability during transition
   > validation = providing a sense of self-worthiness to the child.
   > From a study during the WWII, children show a sense of emotional support and attachment to their friends even without the presence of adults.
   > Elements shown: protection, attachment, emotional support, hostility to outsiders, reinforcement
3. Social skills
   > learn social skills through pro-social interactions (pretend play)
   > Also learn through arguments (resolving conflicts)

Question 6

How can friendships be bad?

Answer 6

validating aggressive behaviours
the failure of conflict resolution can lead to bullying
prosocial interactions that head to the wrong direction > gangs and criminal offenses.

Question 7

What did the orphans show during the experiment

Answer 7

affectionate
emotional support
reinforcement
protection
hostility towards outsiders