5.2 Explain how the maintenance of relationships with wider family and informal networks can have a positive or negative impact on their self-image or identity

This guide will help you answer 5.2 Explain how the maintenance of relationships with wider family and informal networks can have a positive or negative impact on their self-image or identity.

The guide covers how maintaining relationships with wider family and informal networks can affect a young person’s self-image or identity. Self-image is how someone sees themselves, including their personality, appearance, abilities and values. Identity is the sense of who they are, shaped by personal history, culture, beliefs and relationships.

Wider family means relatives who are not in the immediate household, such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins. Informal networks include friends, community members, faith groups, sports clubs or neighbours. Both can offer emotional, social or practical support.

Relationships can influence self-image and identity positively or negatively depending on the nature of the interactions, the consistency of contact and the quality of communication.

Positive Impact on Self-Image

Strong, supportive relationships can build confidence and self-worth. When children and young people receive regular encouragement, recognition and praise from a wider network, they are more likely to see themselves in a positive way.

Positive impacts include:

Feeling valued for who they are
Developing pride in their heritage and culture
Having role models to guide behaviour and aspirations
Feeling more secure in their social identity

Regular contact with wider family can reinforce that the young person belongs to something bigger than themselves. It can also help them see themselves through the eyes of those who care for them, which can boost feelings of acceptance.

Informal networks, such as friendship groups, can support interests and hobbies. When a young person participates and feels accepted, it strengthens self-esteem and reinforces positive self-perception.

Positive Impact on Identity

Identity often relates to cultural background, personal beliefs, traditions and values. Maintaining links with wider family can help a young person keep traditions alive. Learning about customs, languages or family histories helps them understand where they come from, which makes identity stronger.

Positive identity development can be supported by:

Regular sharing of family stories and history
Celebrating traditional holidays or religious events
Learning skills passed down in the family
Exposure to diverse perspectives within the family network

Community-based informal networks can offer experiences outside the home. This can broaden identity and support development of empathy, resilience and social skills. Being part of such groups gives a sense of belonging and can help balance influences from different areas of life.

Negative Impact on Self-Image

Sometimes relationships with wider family or informal networks are unhealthy or inconsistent, which can harm self-image. Negative experiences may include criticism, rejection or absence.

Negative impacts may result from:

Constant negative comments about appearance or abilities
Favouritism between family members
Exposure to conflict or arguments
Lack of interest from wider network members

If a child or young person receives mixed messages about their worth, they may develop doubts about themselves. They might compare themselves unfavourably with others and feel less capable or valued.

Informal networks can also damage self-image if peers are involved in risky behaviour or bullying. Social groups that pressure individuals to change aspects of themselves or reject their background can harm confidence and self-acceptance.

Negative Impact on Identity

Identity can be harmed if wider family relationships are toxic or biased. For example, if cultural traditions are mocked or dismissed within the family, the young person may feel they should hide or change them. This can weaken cultural pride and cause confusion about personal values.

Negative impacts may include:

Losing contact with important cultural role models
Being discouraged from embracing one’s heritage
Conflict between personal values and group behaviours
Pressure to conform to unhealthy norms

If the wider network sends negative signals about identity traits, such as language, religion or lifestyle, the young person may develop internal conflict. They may feel disconnected from both their heritage and the surrounding community.

Influence of Consistency and Stability

The way relationships are maintained matters. Frequent changes in contact or communication can make relationships unstable. Stability supports self-image and identity, as it gives a reliable base from which the young person can explore and learn.

Stable relationships offer:

Regular affirmation of belonging
Predictable emotional support
Continuous learning about family and cultural heritage

Inconsistent relationships may cause feelings of uncertainty. This can lead the young person to struggle with understanding who they are and how they fit within their wider social world.

Role of Positive Role Models

Role models in wider family and informal networks guide young people towards healthy behaviours and attitudes. They can inspire confidence, ambition and moral values. When role models reflect qualities admired by the young person, self-image and identity can strengthen.

Examples of positive role models:

A grandparent who shares important life lessons
An older sibling or cousin who shows how to overcome challenges
A coach or community leader who encourages skill development

Negative role models can have the opposite effect, promoting harmful habits or attitudes that confuse identity and lower self-worth.

Communication Quality

Good communication helps to maintain relationships. When wider family and informal networks listen with respect and show genuine interest, the young person feels heard. This supports a healthy self-image, as they learn they deserve attention and consideration.

Positive communication involves:

Active listening
Open, respectful dialogue
Sharing feelings safely
Offering constructive feedback

Poor communication, such as ignoring concerns or speaking with hostility, can harm self-image and identity by creating a sense of rejection or misunderstanding.

Cultural and Social Enrichment

Wider family and informal networks can bring cultural and social experiences that expand identity. Cultural diversity within these networks can offer different perspectives, traditions and activities. This exposure can make the young person feel enriched and proud of a multi-dimensional identity.

Social enrichment can come from:

Participation in community events
Learning new skills from different people
Access to various types of knowledge and support

If cultural or social influences are absent, or if they are negative, the young person may feel isolated from their heritage and community, weakening identity formation.

Impact of Loss or Break in Relationships

Loss or breakdown in wider family and informal networks can have a significant emotional impact. If relationships are strong and then end or become strained, it can cause grief and confusion.

The impact can include:

Feeling less connected to cultural roots
Reduced support for self-esteem
Increased feelings of loneliness
Difficulty in trust-building for new relationships

Managing changes in relationships with understanding and sensitivity can help reduce negative effects on self-image and identity.

Supporting Maintenance of Relationships

Children and young people’s workforce members can help support these relationships. Efforts can be made to encourage contact with wider family and informal networks, where safe and appropriate.

Support strategies include:

Facilitating regular communication by phone, video or visits
Encouraging involvement in community activities
Promoting respect for cultural traditions
Assisting with conflict resolution when disagreements arise

Providing opportunities for quality interaction can help keep relationships healthy and beneficial for self-image and identity.

Self-image and Identity in Practice

In everyday work, observing the signs of positive or negative influence from wider networks is important. Workers can watch for changes in confidence, social interaction and cultural expression.

Indicators of positive influence:

Increased participation in social and cultural events
Improved confidence in expressing personal beliefs
Stronger emotional resilience

Indicators of negative influence:

Withdrawal from social contact
Negative self-talk
Suppression of cultural behaviours or expression

By recognising these signs early, workers can take action to support healthy relationship maintenance.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining relationships with wider family and informal networks can shape how children and young people see themselves and understand their identity. Quality of contact, communication, stability and the nature of influences within these networks all play a role. Healthy, supportive relationships give a sense of belonging, pride and self-worth. Harmful or unstable relationships can cause confusion, low confidence and detachment from cultural identity.

Workers in the children and young people’s workforce can help promote positive relationship maintenance by encouraging safe, consistent and respectful interactions between young people and their wider networks. This work supports both strong self-image and a secure, meaningful identity.