THEORETICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PROFESSORS AND STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Interpersonal relationships between professors and students in higher education play a pivotal role in students’ academic success, motivation, and psychological well-being. Positive relationships foster student engagement, confidence, and professional identity formation, while negative interactions may lead to disengagement and psychological distress. This paper examines the theoretical and psychological underpinnings of professor-student relationships, emphasizing the role of faculty support, emotional intelligence, mentorship, and inclusive practices. Using a qualitative synthesis of recent literature, the paper identifies facilitators, barriers, and best practices in promoting effective interpersonal relationships in academic settings.