social dimension of successful development; structure of social functioning; resources of social functioning

Social functioning, together with psychological functioning, forms an important part of successful development. It is related mainly to external (objective) factors such as objective health status, accomplishment of developmental tasks, or adjustment tosocial norms. The resources of successful social functioning have already emerged in early childhood. Among them are temperament and personality, cognitive (especially intellectual) and academic abilities, and social relationships, such as the various characteristics of the family of origin, social competence, peer, romantic or work related relationships.