Relational dialectics
- 2. PREAMBLES • Definitions • Basic elements • 3 common Dialectics • Managing Relational Dialectics • Critiques
- 4. The theory, first proposed respectively by Leslie Barbara Baxter Montgomery
- 5. What is Relational Dialectics • Is interpreted as "a Dynamic knot of contradictions in personal relationships or an unceasing interplay between contrary or opposing tendencies”
- 6. Floyd, Kory Interpersonal Communiation: The whole story, New York, NY- McGraw-Hill,2009 “Dialectics refers to conflicts between two important but opposing needs or desire “
- 8. YOU YOUR PARTNER 224/7 24/7 VS
- 9. Assumptions of Relational Dialectics Theory Relationships are not linear. Relational life is characterized by change Contradiction is the fundamental fact of relational life. Communication is central to organizing and negotiating relational contradictions.
- 10. BASIC ELEMENTS Rawlins, 1992 TOTALITY CONTRADICTION MOTION PRAXIS
- 11. TOTALITY People in a relationship are interdependent. When something happens to one member of a relationship, the other member(s) will be affected as well
- 12. CONTRADICTION • OPPOSITIONS • TWO ELEMENTS THAT CONTRADICT EACH OTHER • The central feature of the dialectic approach. Dialectics are the result of oppositions.
- 13. MOTION • Processual nature of relationships and their change over time • Noticing how someone is different from the way they were when you started the relationship.
- 14. PRAXIS • Humans are choice makers. • It embodies the view that people are social actors and, simultaneously, objects of their own actions.
- 15. RELATIONAL DIALECTICS The most common dialectics in a relationship are :- 1. Autonomy and Connection 2. Openness and Closeness 3. Novelty and Predictability
- 16. Autonomy and Connection Autonomy: • The need to be your own person • The need to do things independently Connection: • The need to be close to other • The desire to link actions and decisions
- 17. Openness and Closedness Openness: • The disclosure and honesty • The desire to share intimate ideas and feelings Closedness: • Keeping certain facts, thoughts, ideas to yourself • The desire to maintain privacy
- 18. Predictability and Novelty Predictability: • The need for consistency and stability within the relationship • Consistency, reliability and dependability in a relationship Novelty: • The need for fresh and new experiences • Originality, freshness and uniqueness in the relationship
- 19. MANAGING RELATIONAL DIALECTICS? 8 METHODS SUGGESTED BY BAXTER AND MONTGOMERY Denial Disorientation Alternation Segmentation Balance Integration Recalibration Reaffirmation
- 20. DENIAL • Responding to only one side of the tension while ignoring the other side of tension DISORIENTATION • Escaping the tension by ending the relationship
- 21. ALTERNATION • Alternates over time, taking turn being privileged. SEGMENTATION • Choosing to deal with one side of the tension in one area of life, and the other side of the tension in another area of life.
- 22. BALANCE • Compromise between two opposing forces INTEGRATION • Develop behaviors that will satisfy both sides on the tension at the same time.
- 23. RECALIBRATION • Reframing a tension so there is no longer any opposition REAFFIRMATION • Accepting the tension as a normal and healthy part of a relationship
- 24. Critique • Limited testability – Researchers cannot monitor what goes on behind closed doors • Limited scope – There are limited studies on homosexuality and other cultures • Timelessness – New research is introducing new dialectics with the changing technologies and ways of communicating
- 25. Conclusion • The relational dialectic theory describes explains and predicts the tensions that occur in our interpersonal relationships. • The theory expanded on other relational studies to help us better understand that relationships are ongoing. • The theory is relevant to each individual’s life and the relationships within.
- 26. REFERENCES • Baxter, L.A. (1988). A dialectical perspective on communication strategies in relationship development. In S. Duck (Ed.), Handbook of Personal Relationships, 257-273. • Baxter, L., & Montgomery. (1996). Relating: Dialogues and Dialectics. New York: The Guilford Press. • Cools, C. A. (2006). "Relational Communication in Intercultural Couples." Language & Intercultural Communication p. 13.. Mount Union College. Retrieved February 1, 2009, from EBSCO database. • Duta, Andrei. (2008). Leadership Succession: A discourse analysis of governance dialects in two non-profit organizations. Retrieved February 1, 2009 from Google Scholar. • Goldsmith, D. (1990). “A Dialectic Perspective on the Expression of Autonomy and Connection in Romantic Relationships.” Western Journal of Speech Communication: WJSC, 54(4), 537-556.Retrieved January 26, 2009, from Communication & Mass Media Complete database. • Graham, E.E. (2003). "Dialectic Contradictions in Postmarital Relationships." Journal of Family Communication , 193. Retrieved February 1, 2009, from EBSCO database.
Editor's Notes
- #25: Alex