Hoofdstuk 11 Flashcards
What is the Relational Dialectics Theory?
The Relational Dialectics Theory, developed by Baxter and Montgomery, suggests that relational life is characterized by ongoing tensions between contradictory impulses. It posits that individuals hold inconsistent beliefs about relationships and navigate these contradictions through communication.
What are the three types of approaches in the Relational Dialectics Theory?
The three types of approaches are
- monologic,
- dualistic, and
- dialectic.
The monologic approach views relationships as either/or scenarios,
dualistic approach sees two parts of contradiction as separate entities,
and the dialectic approach considers multiple points of view and the interplay of contradictions.
What are the four assumptions of the Relational Dialectics Theory?
The assumptions are: relationships are not linear, relational life is characterized by change, contradiction is the fundamental fact of relational life, and communication is central to organizing and negotiating these contradictions.
What are the three basic relational dialectics according to the theory?
The three basic relational dialectics are autonomy and connection, openness and protection, and novelty and predictability. These represent common conflicts that occur in relationships.
What are the elements of dialectics?
The elements of dialectics include totality (interdependence of people in a relationship), contradiction (two elements that oppose each other), motion (the change of relationships over time), and praxis (humans as active decision-makers).
What are some examples of contextual dialectics?
Examples of contextual dialectics include public and private and real and ideal. The public and private dialectic explores the tension between a private relationship and public life, while the real and ideal dialectic looks at the tension between idealized relationships and lived experiences.
What are some responses to dialectic tensions?
People often try to manage dialectic tensions in their relationships. One common method for managing these tensions is through politeness. Other strategies can include topic selection, time alternation, withdrawal, probing, and even deception.
What is cyclic alternation in the context of the Relational Dialectics Theory?
Cyclic alternation refers to the way people may emphasize different aspects of a dialectic at different times. For instance, a relationship might focus on closeness at one stage and then autonomy at another.
What is segmentation according to the Relational Dialectics Theory?
Segmentation is the process of isolating separate areas or contexts in which each of the dialectical poles is prioritized. It essentially allows for different aspects of the dialectic to be emphasized in different situations.
What does selection mean in the context of the Relational Dialectics Theory?
Selection refers to choosing one of the opposing dialectic poles over the other.
What is integration in the context of the Relational Dialectics Theory?
Integration refers to synthesizing the opposing dialectic poles. This can be achieved through neutralizing, reframing, or disqualifying polarities.
What are the different methods of integration?
The different methods of integration include neutralizing (compromising), reframing (transforming the dialectic so it no longer seems to contain opposition), and disqualifying (exempting certain issues from the general pattern).
How does the Relational Dialectics Theory view time?
According to the theory, when dealing with dialectics, communication choices made by relational partners are affected by the past, enacted in the present, and filled with anticipation for the future.
How does the Relational Dialectics Theory contribute to understanding relationships?
he theory emphasizes the interplay between change and stability in relationships, helping to highlight the interactions within a relationship among its individual members and with larger social and cultural systems. It also helps focus on power issues and multicultural diversity.
What is the critique of the Relational Dialectics Theory?
While the theory is heuristic and testable, it may be too parsimonious, suggesting endless lists of new dialectic tension. However, its strength lies in its ability to shed light on the complex and indeterminate process of meaning-making in relationships.
