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Relational Dialectics 1

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Relational Dialectics 1
Relational dialectics as a concept of communication theory introduced by professors Leslie Baxter and Barbera M. Matgomery in 1988
Could be interpreted as "a knot of contradictions in personal relationships or an unceasing interplay between contrary or opposing tendencies."
Communication parties experience internal, conflicting pulls causing relationships to be in a constant state of flux, known as dialectical tension. The pressures of these tensions occur in a wavelike or cyclical fashion over time. Relational Dialectics introduces the concept that the closer individuals become to one another, the more conflict will arise to pull them apart.

Example: Level of Relationship Difference known

Acquaintance = Physical (looks, fashion, way of speaking.etc..)
Friends = Characteristics, attitudes, hobbies, physical (looks, fashion, etc..)
Close friends/BFF’s = Struggles, Likes/Dislikes, beliefs/perceptions in life, characteristics, attitude, hobbies and physical (looks, fashion)
Partners in life = All of the above + What can do/can`t do for each other

Relational Dialectics Theory
A relationship is a union where two individuals from different background compromise in many ways. People experience internal tensions inconsistently while being in a relationship. Over time the pressures will be recurring in nature and from this extreme tendencies, the relationship sustains.

Concepts
Contradictions- in relational dialectics, the concept is that the extreme contrary has the characteristics of its opposite
Totality- in relational dialectics, the totality comes when the opposites unite. Thus the relationship is balanced with contradictions and only then it reaches totality
Process- relational dialectics can be comprehended through various social processes. These processes simultaneously continue within a relationship in a recurring manner
Praxis- the relationship progresses with experience and both people interact and communicate effectively to realise their

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