Dialectical Theory Flashcards
dialectics
any relationship there are inherent tensions between contradictory impulses or dialectics
Dialectical Moments
temporary periods of equilibrium between opposing dialectics in the larger pattern of continuous change that marks relationships
contradiction
there is a conflict, opposition or discrepancy between two things
-wanting to be with someone all the time but also wanting your independence
process
dialectics are always in motion… on going
integration/seperation
the tension between wanting to integrate ourselves with another person and wanting to be separate from them
-external form: wanting to be in an official relationship that people know about and wanting to keep the relationship private
stability/change
tension between wanting sameness, constancy, or familiarity on one hand and on the other wanting stimulation, novelty, or change
- relationships require stability but at the same time to much routine gets boring
- external form: wanting to conform to conventional social expectations of a relationship and wanting to emphasize the relationships uniqueness
expression/privacy
tension between the desire to be open and expressive and closed and private
-external form: wanting to reveal a relationship to others and wanting to conceal it from public scrutiny
selection
choosing to satisfy one need and ignoring or denying the contradictory
-Gina and Ben choose to spend every second of their free time together and give up their independent interests
seperation
attempts to meet both contradictory needs
-couples choose to talk a lot about their personal and family but not at all about their work
neutralization
meet both needs somewhat but not fully
-friends can talk about all topics, nothing is off limits, but they do not get into great depths with their conversation
reframing
to view needs not as contradictory but as paired
critical assessment of Dialectical Theory
- very positive reviews
- very heuristic
- offers a broad humanistic review of personal relationships
- whether or not the 3 dialectics are the only dialectics