For advanced learners mastering sophisticated vocabulary for analysing complex social structures, psychological relationship dynamics, and ethical interpersonal concepts.
35 cards
altruistic
showing a selfless concern for the wellbeing of others without expecting anything in return
codependency
a psychological condition where a person excessively relies on another for emotional identity and self-worth
disenfranchise
to deprive a person or group of power, rights, or a sense of belonging within a social structure
empowerment
the process of gaining or giving greater authority, confidence, and control over one's own life and choices
enmeshment
a pattern in relationships where boundaries are so blurred that individuals lose their separate identities
estrangement
the state of being distant or alienated from someone with whom you once had a close relationship
fidelity
strict and continued faithfulness to a person, promise, or set of values within a relationship
hierarchical
organised according to levels of power or status, with some people having more authority than others
implicit bias
an unconscious attitude or stereotype that affects how you perceive and interact with other people
interdependence
a state in which people depend on each other in mutually beneficial and balanced ways
marginalise
to treat a person or group as unimportant or to push them to the edge of social life
mutuality
the quality of being shared or felt equally between two or more people in a relationship
parasocial
describing a one-sided emotional relationship where one person feels a bond with someone who does not know they exist
patronise
to treat someone as though they are less intelligent or capable than you, often without realising it
symbiotic
describing a relationship in which two people each benefit from and depend on the other in important ways
rupture and repair
the natural cycle in relationships where connection breaks and is then consciously rebuilt
dissonance
the mental discomfort experienced when your actions or relationships conflict with your own values or beliefs
relational aggression
a form of social harm carried out through manipulation of relationships, such as exclusion or rumour-spreading
deference
the practice of yielding to another person's judgement or wishes out of respect or social obligation
vicarious
experienced through the actions or feelings of another person rather than directly
transference
the unconscious redirection of feelings for one person onto another, especially in close relationships
disillusionment
the feeling of disappointment that comes when someone or something turns out to be less good than expected
performative
done for show or to be seen by others rather than out of genuine feeling or belief
reciprocity
the practice of exchanging things or feelings with another for mutual benefit and balance
intergenerational
relating to or involving multiple generations within a family or broader social group
ambivalence
having mixed or contradictory feelings about a person or relationship at the same time
dissolution
the formal or emotional ending of a relationship, partnership, or social bond
dialectical
involving the tension and resolution between two opposing forces or perspectives within a relationship
differentiation
the ability to maintain your own identity and opinions within a close relationship without becoming detached
narcissistic
showing an excessive preoccupation with oneself and very little genuine interest in the needs of others
disengagement
a gradual withdrawal from emotional involvement or participation in a relationship or group
complicit
involved in or going along with something wrong without actively stopping it or speaking out
social capital
the networks of relationships and trust that enable people to function effectively within a community
attachment style
a pattern of behaviour in relationships formed in early childhood that influences how a person connects with others
limerence
an intense, involuntary state of infatuation with another person, including obsessive thoughts about them