Context 2 · 2027 Syllabus
Human Relationships
Why do we form bonds with some people and experience conflict with others? This context investigates the nature of personal and social connections, with a renewed focus on how technology and globalised cultures are redefining the way we interact.
This guide is based on the IB Psychology Guide (first assessment 2027).
Key Areas of Inquiry
"This context covers three primary domains: formation of personal relationships, communication and maintenance, and conflict, violence, and cooperation."
— IB Psychology Subject Brief (2027)
Formation of Personal Relationships
Why we are attracted to others — biological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors.
Communication and Maintenance
How we keep (or break) relationships through self-disclosure and communication styles.
Conflict, Violence, and Cooperation
The darker and lighter sides of social interaction, including digital aggression.
1. The Science of Attraction: Why We Connect
The IB expects you to look at attraction through multiple lenses:
Biological Factors
The role of pheromones (now a debated topic), evolutionary survival pressures, and neurotransmitters like Oxytocin (the 'bonding hormone').
Cognitive Factors
Similarity-Attraction Hypothesis — the idea that we are drawn to people who share our values and beliefs.
Sociocultural Factors
The Propinquity Effect — we tend to form relationships with those we see often, whether through physical or digital proximity.
2. Relationship Maintenance & Communication
How do we stay together? This section focuses on:
Social Penetration Theory
Relationships develop through progressive self-disclosure — sharing increasingly personal information builds intimacy over time.
Gottman's Four Horsemen
The communication styles that predict relationship breakdown: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling.
The 'Context' Shift
How communication differs in face-to-face vs. online environments — tone, misinterpretation, and the absence of non-verbal cues.
3. Digital Relationships: The 2027 Update
The new syllabus explicitly looks at how technology changes the "Human" in human relationships:
Hyper-personal Model
Online relationships can become more intimate than face-to-face ones due to selective self-presentation and reduced inhibition.
Dating Apps & Choice Overload
Algorithms and 'infinite choice' change our perception of attraction and commitment — the paradox of too many options.
Cyberbullying & Conflict
The digital environment changes the nature of social aggression and 'Bystanderism' — anonymity reduces accountability.
Applying the 6 Core Concepts to Relationships
| Concept | Application to Human Relationships |
|---|---|
| Perspective | How different cultures view 'romantic love' vs. 'arranged marriage' — no single model of relationships is universal. |
| Causality | Does communication cause a good relationship, or does a good relationship cause better communication? |
| Responsibility | The ethical responsibility of social media companies in managing digital conflict and harassment. |
Essential "Context" Questions
Prepare for these potential 2027 exam prompts:
Evaluate one or more theories of the formation of personal relationships.
Discuss how digital technology has influenced the maintenance of relationships.
Contrast two psychological explanations for the origins of conflict.
Exam Technique Guides
See It In Practice
Read Grade 7 Model Essays
See how top students structure their answers for Paper 1 and Paper 2 questions on this context.