The psychological contract is a fundamental concept in psychology that refers to an implicit agreement between an individual and their social environment, including family, friends, colleagues and society in general. This type of contract establishes mutual expectations, responsibilities, and obligations that guide human interactions and relationships. Through the psychological contract, people establish unwritten rules that regulate their behavior and expectations with respect to others.
The origin of the psychological contract
The concept of psychological contract was first introduced by organizational psychologist Dennis M. Rousseau in the 1980s. Rousseau proposed that, just as there is a legal contract between an employee and his employer, there is also a psychological contract that defines the expectations and emotional commitments between people in their social relationships.
Rousseau argued that the psychological contract is an integral part of the human experience and plays a crucial role in the satisfaction and well-being of people in their daily interactions. Avoiding or violating this psychological contract can lead to conflict, lack of trust and frustration in human relationships.
Elements of the psychological contract
The psychological contract is made up of a series of key elements that guide interpersonal relationships and determine the quality of social interactions. Some of the most important elements of the psychological contract are:
- Expectations: People have certain expectations about how they will be treated by others and how they should treat others in different situations.
- Respect: Mutual respect is a fundamental aspect of the psychological contract, since all interactions are based on respect and consideration for others.
- Trust: Trust is an essential element in the psychological contract, since people must be able to trust that others will fulfill their commitments and respect the established rules.
- Reciprocity: The psychological contract implies an equitable and reciprocal exchange between the parties involved, where both giving and receiving are expected to be part of the relational dynamic.
Importance of the psychological contract
The psychological contract is crucial for the healthy functioning of human relationships, both at the individual and social levels. By establishing clear, mutually agreed upon expectations, the psychological contract provides a structure for human interactions, reducing uncertainty and promoting trust and cooperation.
In addition, the psychological contract helps foster responsibility, loyalty and commitment in relationships, which in turn contributes to the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals. When the psychological contract is respected and fulfilled, people feel valued, respected and supported in their social relationships.
Benefits of the psychological contract
Some of the most important benefits of the contract Psychological contracts include:
- Relational stability:By establishing clear expectations and mutual commitments, the psychological contract provides stability and cohesion to human relationships, allowing for the building of solid bonds and lasting.
- Conflict resolution: When the psychological contract is respected, people have clear guidance on how to handle conflicts and resolve differences in a civilized and respectful manner.
- Conflict resolution: When the psychological contract is respected, people have clear guidance on how to handle conflicts and resolve differences in a civilized and respectful manner.
- Conflict resolution: When the psychological contract is respected, people have clear guidance on how to handle conflicts and resolve differences in a civilized and respectful manner.
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- Personal development: The psychological contract promotes personal growth and self-awareness by encouraging reflection on one's own expectations, values and behaviors in interpersonal relationships.
- Strengthening of trust: By fulfilling the commitments established in the psychological contract, mutual trust between people is strengthened, which favors the construction of solid and satisfactory relationships.
Application of the psychological contract in different contexts
The concept of psychological contract can be applied in a wide variety of contexts, from personal and family relationships to work and social environments. Below are examples of how the psychological contract manifests itself in different areas of life:
Personal relationships
In personal relationships, the psychological contract establishes the expectations and commitments between couples, friends and family. For example, in a friendship, the psychological contract may include loyalty, emotional support and sincerity as fundamental elements that guide the interaction between friends.
Workplace
In the field work, the psychological contract defines the expectations and responsibilities of employees and employers. Employees expect to receive a fair salary, recognition for their work and opportunities for professional development, while employers expect commitment, efficiency and loyalty from their employees.
Social relations
In broader social relationships, the psychological contract involves a commitment to social norms, respect for diversity, and collaboration for the common well-being. For example, in a community, the psychological contract may include respect for cultural differences, solidarity in times of crisis, and the promotion of equality and justice.
Violation of the psychological contract
The violation of the psychological contract can have significant consequences on human relationships and the emotional well-being of the people involved. When one of the parties does not meet their commitments or expectations, there is a breakdown in trust and harmony in the relationship, which can lead to conflict, resentment and distancing.
Some of the ways Common psychological contract violations include lack of communication, lack of consideration for the feelings of others, dishonesty, and lack of reciprocity in social interactions. These violations can undermine the stability of relationships and undermine mutual trust, making it difficult to restore harmony in the interaction.
Impact of the violation of the psychological contract
The violation The psychological contract can have negative effects on people's mental and emotional health, as it undermines the feeling of security, trust and connection with others. When experiencing a violation of the psychological contract, people may experience stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of betrayal and abandonment.
In addition, violation of the psychological contract can have long-term consequences on the quality of relationships. , as it undermines the foundation of trust and mutual respect on which human interactions are built. Restoring the psychological contract after a violation requires time, effort, and honest communication to rebuild trust and cohesion in the relationship.
Conclusions
In short, the psychological contract is an agreement implicit that defines the expectations, responsibilities and commitments between people in their social relationships. By establishing unwritten rules that guide human behavior and interactions, the psychological contract provides a structure for building healthy, stable, and satisfying relationships.
By respecting and adhering to the psychological contract, people can foster trust. trust, loyalty and commitment in their relationships, which in turn contributes to the emotional and psychological well-being of all involved. However, violating the psychological contract can have negative effects on the quality of relationships and people's mental health, so it is important to be aware of our expectations and commitments in our social interactions.