Relational Dialectics Theory: Understanding Relationship Tension and Communication Patterns Across Different Backgrounds
Overview
This paper applies relational dialectics theory, founded by Leslie Baxter and Berbera in 1988, to examine communication patterns and tensions in interpersonal relationships. The author analyzes how individuals from different backgrounds navigate contradictions and dialectical tensions through concrete examples, exploring both internal and external dialectics that arise when people with differing characteristics engage in close relationships.
What this coursework covers
- Introduction to relational dialectics theory and its application to interpersonal communication
- Background and theoretical foundations including internal/external dialectics and key assumptions
- Examples illustrating dialectical tensions such as seclusion/inclusion and togetherness/separateness in romantic and professional contexts
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Theory Application Paper
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Relational Dialectics Theory
Interpersonal communication is one of the significant components of message delivery. The relational dialectics theory is used to examine the communication patterns in people. For instance, it is used to show relations in communication between two people in a relationship. The theory was founded by professors Leslie Baxter and Berbera in 1988. This theory focuses on unveiling and examining the contradictions we face in communication. Every society is subjected to a particular communication system, and relational dialectics theory helps declassify these contradictions. When people from different backgrounds such as ethnicity and race engage in a relationship, they develop specific communication patterns. In this case, there are struggles between the two parties to make sure the relationship will stand. This paper will use the relational dialectics theory to explain relationship tension and struggles between parties of different backgrounds.
Background
The objective of Leslie and Berbera was to develop a concept that would help in examining the challenges involved in communication (Baxter & Scharp, 2015). In this scenario, they focused on examining the struggles involved in communication between people of different backgrounds. Notably, dialectics are simply the fluctuations experienced in communication or dialogue between two or more parties. These dialectics can be simplified further, internal and external. Typically, internal dialectics is the tension experienced between two people/parties related to external dialectics. In this case, relational dialectics can be seclusion and inclusion (Montgomery & Baxter, 2013).