Dialectical Theory

Question 1

dialectics

Answer 1

any relationship there are inherent tensions between contradictory impulses or dialectics

Question 2

Dialectical Moments

Answer 2

temporary periods of equilibrium between opposing dialectics in the larger pattern of continuous change that marks relationships

Question 3

contradiction

Answer 3

there is a conflict, opposition or discrepancy between two things
-wanting to be with someone all the time but also wanting your independence

Question 4

process

Answer 4

dialectics are always in motion… on going

Question 5

integration/seperation

Answer 5

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

Question 6

stability/change

Answer 6

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

Question 7

expression/privacy

Answer 7

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

Question 8

selection

Answer 8

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

Question 9

seperation

Answer 9

attempts to meet both contradictory needs

-couples choose to talk a lot about their personal and family but not at all about their work

Question 10

neutralization

Answer 10

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

Question 11

reframing

Answer 11

to view needs not as contradictory but as paired

Question 12

critical assessment of Dialectical Theory

Answer 12

• very positive reviews
• very heuristic
• offers a broad humanistic review of personal relationships
• whether or not the 3 dialectics are the only dialectics