Social Relationships and Interpersonal Skills
What this domain tests
Questions cover communication, empathy, assertiveness, conflict resolution, boundaries and social support. You must distinguish passive, aggressive and assertive responses and apply them to a scenario.
Core rules and concepts
- Social support has emotional, informational, instrumental and appraisal forms; it buffers stress and improves health.
- Active listening: attend, paraphrase, ask open questions, reflect feeling, avoid interrupting or immediately advising.
- Nonverbal communication (eye contact, tone, posture) carries meaning; norms vary by culture.
- Assertiveness = stating needs and limits while respecting others. Passive = suppressing own needs; aggressive = violating others' rights.
- Use I-statements: 'I feel ___ when ___ because ___. I need ___.' Avoid 'you always'.
- Conflict resolution: separate person from problem, identify interests, generate options, agree and review.
- Boundaries and consent are essential in healthy relationships; jealousy, control and threats are red flags.
- Repair after conflict (apology, clarification) matters more than never disagreeing.
Worked example
A roommate plays loud music at midnight. A passive response is silence and resentment; an aggressive response is shouting or damaging the speaker. An assertive response: 'I feel exhausted when music is loud after 11 because I have an early class. Could you use headphones after 11, or agree on a quiet hour?' Reasoning: it names the behaviour, feeling and need, and offers a solution without attacking the person.
Traps that cost marks
- Equating assertiveness with aggression.
- Giving advice before listening.
- Calling controlling behaviour love.
- Assuming one communication style fits all cultures.
- Forgetting consent and boundaries.
Key takeaway: listen, name the issue, use I-statements, negotiate limits.