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A People-as-Means Approach to Interpersonal Relationships
Edward Orehek1, Amanda L Forest1, Nicole Barbaro2
11 Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh.
Summary
People are viewed as means to achieve goals within interpersonal relationships. This "people-as-means" perspective offers new insights into relationship dynamics, formation, and dissolution.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
- Goal Pursuit Theory
Background:
- Interpersonal relationships and goal pursuit are closely linked.
- Existing research often overlooks the instrumental role individuals play in achieving goals within relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and elaborate on the "people-as-means" perspective on relationships.
- To explore how viewing people as means to goals can illuminate relationship processes.
- To examine the implications of this perspective for understanding relationship formation, maintenance, and dissolution.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of means-goal relations principles.
- Review of existing empirical evidence supporting the people-as-means concept.
- Theoretical integration of goal pursuit principles with relationship science.
Main Results:
- People function as means by contributing time, knowledge, skills, resources, and support.
- Principles of means-goal relations can be applied to understand interpersonal interactions.
- This perspective offers novel insights into relationship formation, maintenance, and dissolution.
Conclusions:
- The "people-as-means" perspective provides a valuable framework for understanding interpersonal relationships.
- Applying goal pursuit principles to relationships enhances our comprehension of social behavior.
- This approach has significant implications for future research in relationship science.
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