Which of the following best explains why giving space and respecting privacy are important for building healthy family relationships in the context of developmental psychology?

• A. They support the development of autonomy and trust among family members.
• B. They ensure that family members never interact with each other.
• C. They prevent any form of conflict from arising within the family.
• D. They eliminate the need for communication within the family.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of autonomy in developmental psychology, which refers to the ability of individuals to make independent decisions and develop a sense of self.
2. Step 2: Recognize that giving space and respecting privacy within family relationships allows family members to explore their own identities and make choices without undue pressure, fostering autonomy.
3. Step 3: Consider the role of trust in family dynamics, where respecting privacy signals respect and confidence in each other's boundaries, which strengthens trust.
4. Step 4: Analyze why the other options are less appropriate: families still need interaction and communication, and conflict is a natural part of relationships rather than something completely preventable by space and privacy.
5. Step 5: Conclude that giving space and respecting privacy are important because they support both autonomy and trust, which are foundational for healthy family relationships in developmental psychology.