Maintaining Relational Cohesion During Uncertainty or Change
Many people experience stress, anxiety, depression, and a general sense of unease when faced with sudden changes that disrupt their lives. This can include personal or professional upheavals such as moving, job loss, divorce, death, illness, financial instability, or natural disasters. These circumstances can affect individuals' mental health, physical wellbeing, and overall functioning, making it difficult to maintain positive relationships with loved ones.
Research suggests that there are several strategies that couples can employ to preserve relational cohesion during periods of uncertainty or change.
The first strategy is communication. Couples must communicate effectively with each other about their fears, hopes, expectations, and plans for handling the situation. Open dialogue allows them to process emotions, share ideas, and find solutions together. It also helps to reduce misunderstandings and conflicts that may arise due to different coping mechanisms. Couples should avoid blaming or shaming each other but instead listen actively and empathize with one another's experiences.
A second strategy is flexibility. Relationships need time and attention, which become scarcer in times of crisis. Couples should prioritize spending quality time together, even if they have limited energy or resources. They should also be willing to compromise on household chores, routines, and activities to accommodate individual needs and preferences. Flexibility shows respect and consideration for each partner's unique contributions to the relationship.
Couples should cultivate gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating each other's efforts to manage the stressful situation. This can involve affirmative statements, affectionate gestures, and mutual support. Gratitude fosters a sense of partnership and commitment, strengthening the bond between two people.
Couples should seek professional help when needed. A therapist or counselor can provide guidance, tools, and support for navigating the challenges associated with the upheaval. They can also assist with conflict resolution, problem-solving, and goal setting, helping individuals to work through difficult emotions and build resilience.
Maintaining relational cohesion during uncertain or changing circumstances requires effort, communication, flexibility, gratitude, and sometimes outside assistance.
What factors contribute to maintaining relational cohesion during periods of uncertainty or change?
Cohesiveness is a measure of how well people work together as a team towards common goals. There are several factors that may affect the maintenance of relational cohesion during uncertain times. Firstly, trust and mutual respect between members can help individuals feel more secure about their relationship with each other even when there are uncertainties present.