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.
Key terms, concepts, and definitions:
This theory believes that strain and volatility expressed in relationships is unavoidable but also valuable. Relationship dialectics is defined as the dynamic, contradictory discourse of relationships. Becoming closer to family, friends, or romantic partners involves not only interdependence on one another but also being independent from each other.
Dialectics can be either internal (occurring within a relationship) or external (occurring between a couple/partners and other people outside the relationship).
There are three classes of dialectic tensions that highlight the opposing views of different ideas. There are subclasses in both the internal and external viewpoints.
1. Integration-separation: Internally, the struggle between connection and autonomy; externally, the struggle between inclusion or seclusion.
2. Stability-change: Internally, the tension between certainty and uncertainty; externally, the tension between conventionality and uniqueness.
3. Expression-nonexpression: Internally, the struggle between openness and closedness; externally, the struggle between revelation and concealment.
The theory views the interplay of contradicting trends as not necessarily negative, and contradicting tendencies are seen as inevitable between people in close relationships.
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. It helps us find meaning in the struggles of communication that occur on a daily basis.
Where can it be applied? Whenever struggles arise between partners, friends, or family. The theory can help interpret the opposing viewpoints and clarify the meaning in these contradictions.
Summary source:
Baxter, L.A. and D.O. Braithwaite. (2008) Relational dialectics theory. In Engaging theories in interpersonal communication: Multiple perspectives (349-361). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Exemplar articles:
Sahlstein, E., K.C. Maguire, and L. Timmerman. (2009) Contradictions and praxis contextualized by wartime deployment: Wives’ perspectives revealed through relational dialectics. Communication Monographs 76 (4), 421-442. doi: 10.1080/03637750903300239
Coole, C.A. (2006) Relational communication in intercultural couples. Language and Intercultural Communication 6 (3-4), 206. doi: 10.2167/laic253.0
Specific Purpose: To examine the struggles and tensions of close personal connections from a viewpoint that considers these interactions necessary to relationship growth.
Key terms, concepts, and definitions:
This theory believes that strain and volatility expressed in relationships is unavoidable but also valuable. Relationship dialectics is defined as the dynamic, contradictory discourse of relationships. Becoming closer to family, friends, or romantic partners involves not only interdependence on one another but also being independent from each other.
Dialectics can be either internal (occurring within a relationship) or external (occurring between a couple/partners and other people outside the relationship).
There are three classes of dialectic tensions that highlight the opposing views of different ideas. There are subclasses in both the internal and external viewpoints.
1. Integration-separation: Internally, the struggle between connection and autonomy; externally, the struggle between inclusion or seclusion.
2. Stability-change: Internally, the tension between certainty and uncertainty; externally, the tension between conventionality and uniqueness.
3. Expression-nonexpression: Internally, the struggle between openness and closedness; externally, the struggle between revelation and concealment.
The theory views the interplay of contradicting trends as not necessarily negative, and contradicting tendencies are seen as inevitable between people in close relationships.
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. It helps us find meaning in the struggles of communication that occur on a daily basis.
Where can it be applied? Whenever struggles arise between partners, friends, or family. The theory can help interpret the opposing viewpoints and clarify the meaning in these contradictions.
Summary source:
Baxter, L.A. and D.O. Braithwaite. (2008) Relational dialectics theory. In Engaging theories in interpersonal communication: Multiple perspectives (349-361). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Exemplar articles:
Sahlstein, E., K.C. Maguire, and L. Timmerman. (2009) Contradictions and praxis contextualized by wartime deployment: Wives’ perspectives revealed through relational dialectics. Communication Monographs 76 (4), 421-442. doi: 10.1080/03637750903300239
Coole, C.A. (2006) Relational communication in intercultural couples. Language and Intercultural Communication 6 (3-4), 206. doi: 10.2167/laic253.0