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Relational Dialectics Theory - Coggle Diagram
Relational Dialectics Theory
General Purpose
This theory explains how partners find meaning in a relationship through the interplay of contradicting tendencies.
Specific Purpose
To examine the struggles and tensions of close personal connections from a viewpoint that considers these interactions necessary to relationship growth.
Based on the research of Baxter and Montgomery
monologic approach
an approach framing contradiction as either/or
dualistic approach
an approach framing contradiction as two separate entities
dialectic approach
an approach framing contradiction as both/and
Assumptions
Relationships are not linear
Individuals swing back and forth between contradictory desires
Relationships do not steadily move in one direction
Relational life is characterized by change
As people experience new life events they and their relationships change
Change relates to an important concept in RDT: motion
Contradiction is the fundamental fact of relational life.
Contradictions: or tensions between opposites never go away and never cease to provide tension
They are constant and ongoing in relational life
Dialectics: the tensions that result when two relational forces are bith interdependent and mutually opposing
Communication is central to organizing and negotiating relational contradictions
RDT gives communication a central role in relational life
People achieve dialectical unity through communication practices
Core concepts
Totality - acknowledges the interdependence of people in a relationship
Contradiction: central feature of the dialectic approach that refers to oppositions
Motion: the processual nature of relationships
Praxis - refers to the choice-making capacity of humans
Basic Relational Dialectics
Autonomy and Connection
Simultaneously desires to be independent of our significant others and to find intimacy with them
Openness and protection
Conflicting desires to both be open and vulnerable but to maintain a sense of privacy
Novelty and predictability
Conflicting desires to experience the comfort of stability and the excitement of change
Contextual dialectics
Tensions resulting from the place of the relationship within the culture
Public and private
Tension experienced from having a private relationship from a public life
Friendship suffers in comparison to other relationships because there's no institution to sanction it
The real and the ideal
Contrasts expectations with the reality of a relationship
Expectations may be idealized- Cultural and contextual factors influence
Responses to Dialectics
Cyclic alternation - a coping response to dialectical tensions; refers to changes over time
Segmentation - a coping response to dialectical tensions; refers to changes due to context
Integration
a coping response to dialectical tensions; refers to synthesizing the opposition; composed of three sub strategies
neutralizing - a sub strategy of integration; refers to compromising between the opposition
disqualifying - a sub strategy of integration; refers to exempting certain issues from the general pattern
reframing - a sub strategy of integration; refers to transforming the oppositions
What does the theory do?
The theory helps us understand and manage the tensions in our close relationships.
Relational dialectics says that is it okay to not always be on the same page as the people who are close us, and this can even strengthen our bonds.
Integration
Communication Tradition – Socio-Cultural
Communication Context – Interpersonal
Approach to Knowing – Positivistic/Empirical, Interpretive/Hermeneutic, Critical
Critique
Parsimony, Utility, Heurism