Grit, Goal Setting, and Social Support as It Pertains to Family Dynamics and Romantic Relationships

Abstract

This chapter explores interpersonal relationships in family dynamics and romantic relationships as they pertain to grit, goal setting, and social support. Individuals in various types of relationships will be explored, such as married and non-married couples, couples with children, and couples without children. In addition, this chapter will examine the influence that partners and family members have on one another and the several outcomes that result in different kinds of family and relational supports. The chapter will also explore the importance of using all three methods (grit, goal setting, social support) in conjunction with one another, since the three are vital to long-term success in interpersonal relationships and positive family dynamics, regardless of environmental or socio-economic differences in each case. Examples with evidentiary and anecdotal support will be used to explain the benefits or detriments of having or not having these traits in interpersonal relationships and family dynamics. These examples were selected to be inclusive and to relate to family, parental, and spousal relationship structures.