Healthy adolescent relationships set the stage for lifelong patterns

Denise Aungst, Michigan State University Extension -

Defining healthy and unhealthy behaviors in a relationship leads to decision making and intervention for the betterment of individuals, community and society.

Individuals and collectively society may downplay the seriousness of dating abuse, but with examination and internal questioning, the need to focus educational efforts around healthy relationships becomes apparent.  Physical, psychological, emotional and sexual aggression is serious at every age and sets the stage for lifelong patterns in both the victim and the aggressor. 

According to “SafeDates: An adolescent dating abuse prevention curriculum,” defining caring relationships begins with the process of identifying acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Doing so can lead to appropriate intervention.

We all want and deserve respect, trust, the right to be heard, helpfulness and belief in each other.   

Looking at these characteristics opposed to behavior used to manipulate, gain control or power over someone make a person feel bad about himself or herself (or others they are close to i.e. family or friends), or make a person afraid is the first step to healthy decision making. These negatives often define destructive relationships between peers, adolescents and adults.

Take steps to increase your awareness, learn more and take action for the health of individual relationships because they are the heart and soul of our communities and society.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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