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Relational Dialectic Theory
Nikki Cook
May 29, 2013
Theory Project: Relational Dialectic Theory
COM 401
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Relational Dialectic Theory
Introduction
The Relational Dialectic Theory (RDT) was influenced by the work of Russian
philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin who wrote of a linguist theories surrounding dialogue. He believed
that it is through only social relationships that we truly exist within ourselves. In 1996 however,
Leslie Baxter and Barbara Montgomery published their book Relating: Dialogues and
Dialectics, which solidified the communication theory. “RDT maintains that relational life is
characterized by ongoing tensions between contradictory impulses” (Baxter & Braithwaite,
2008).
RDT encompasses multiple layers, but is primarily based on a dialectic approach which
states that monologic and dualistic approaches are too constraining to depict contradictions in
interpersonal relationships. As stated in West and Turner (2010), there are four basic
assumptions “that reflect its contentions about relational life including relationships are not
linear, relational life is characterized by change, contradiction is the fundamental fact of
relational life, and that communication is central to organizing and negotiating relational
contradictions” (pp. 204). From these assumptions, it quickly becomes clear that this theory is
constructed in a nonlinear or even binary way, which brings awareness to imperfections and
realities of relationships. RDT challenges traditional notions of social relations and deconstructs
the societal concept of developmental and progressional relationships, while insisting upon
multilayered contradiction in social interactions. This annotated bibliography will shed light on
the versatility of RDT through its application within the many facets of communication,
sociology, philosophy, etc.
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Annotated Bibliography
Pawlowski, D. (1999). Rubber Bands and Sectioned Oranges: Dialectical Tensions and
Metaphors Used to Describe Interpersonal Relationships. North Dakota Journal Of
Speech & Theatre, 1213-30.
[Abstract from author] This study explored dialectical tensions and metaphors
throughout relational development. Participants identified stages of relationships with
stages of ‘beginning/attraction,’ ‘insecurity/decision-making,’ and ‘contentment/stability’
being most prevalent in relational development. Dialectic tensions that characterized
relationships include all six of Baxter’s (1988) internal and external relational
contradictions: autonomy-connection, prediction-novelty, openness-closedness,
inclusion-seclusion, conventionality-uniqueness, and revelation-concealment. Internal
tensions were more primary in relationships than external tensions. Metaphors were
analyzed and coded into five themes: attraction, development, uncertainty, unsettled, and
content. These metaphors were also evident in several of the tensions. Overall, this study
contributes to theoretical development of the dialectic perspective and extends research
on metaphors in interpersonal relationships.
In this research project, the RDT was completely broken down and evaluated in nearly
every aspect possible within a one-interview study. Researchers used a total of ten willing
participants with various relationship backgrounds and simply purposed questions in an
attempt to observe if the respondents would independently identify internal and external
tensions, relational development, and metaphors when referring to relationships. These
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tensions were based off of Baxter’s (1990) dialectic relational contradictions and their
intersections with internal and external factors.
Researchers then evaluated results by categorizing the tensions by Baxter’s previously
stated six dialectical contradictions, quantifying the metaphors discussed, and the
similarities and differences of relational development created by the participants. The
study skillfully utilized RDT by highlighting the lack of linear development in not only
relationships themselves, but also in individuals’ thoughts and feelings about
relationships. More importantly the researchers effectively demonstrated the
interdependence of relational contradictions and communication through the use of
symbols like metaphors.
Graham, E. E. (2003). Dialectic Contradictions in Postmarital Relationships. Journal Of Family
Communication, 3(4), 193.
[Abstract by author] The purpose of this study was to identify
dialectical contradictions endemic to the postmarital experience. Dialectic theory
provides a framework for discussing the contradictory forces inherent in postmarital
relationships. The frequency of three basic dialectical contradictions (autonomyconnection, openness-closedness, predictability-novelty) were culled from interviews with
34 divorced individuals. The identification of 355 dialectical contradictions suggests the
utility of this framework for examining postmarital relationships. Implications for the
application of dialectic theory for the study of postmarital relationships are discussed
and research directions identified.
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RDT was used in this research project in order to identify the dialectical contradictions
associated with co-parenting after a divorce. A sample of 35 divorcees was able to
communicatively express some of the specific ways in which they struggled internally and
externally with various aspects of the relationship, such as autonomy and connections. In this
case, RDT was utilized to demonstrate the extent to which postmariatal relationships partake in
relational dialectics.
The researchers were able to successfully analyze the dialectical contradictions expressed
by the participants. In some cases, the researchers were even able to quantify their findings
positing that 46% of postmariatial parents experience tension between autonomy and connection.
In other regards, the data showed that some respondents do not necessarily experience
contradictions with autonomy and connections, but rather with openness and closedness
contradiction.
Toller, P. W. (2005). Negotiation of Dialectical Contradictions by Parents who have Experienced
the Death of a Child. Journal Of Applied Communication Research, 33(1), 46-66.
doi:10.1080/0090988042000318512
[Abstract by author] This study examines how bereaved parents experience
communicating with individuals in their social network. The bereaved parents in this
study experienced two dialectical contradictions: (a) between the physical absence of
their child and the continuing presence and emotional bond with their deceased child;
and (b) between being open or closed when deciding whether to talk about the deceased
child to others. Results describe how parents communicatively negotiated these
contradictions. The article concludes by discussing practical applications for bereaved
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parents, bereavement support groups, helping professionals, and individuals within the
bereaved parents’ social network.
Researchers used the RDT by first interviewing 16 bereaved parents (12 women and 4
men), followed by a qualitative-interpretive study method in which dialectical patterns
were observed and transcribed. The data was then categorized first with open coding
through the use of a attribution semantic relationship, essentially where X is a
characteristic of Y. This organization process relates the RDT in that it groups two
contradicting elements of communication. The data was then grouped using axial coding,
in which subgroups are compared to their primary groups in an effort to find a
relationship. The analysis of this process is vital to explaining how dialectics, such as
openness-closedness, were identified within the data.
As a result, Toller was able to scientifically support the direct relationship of RDT with
the experience of bereaved parents. Specifically, Toller observed two primary dialectical
contradictions within the theory, openness-closedness and presence-absence. These
contradictions inherently then relate to the Relational Dialectic theoretical assumption
that relational life is characterized by change, and not necessarily linear progress.
Braithwaite, D., & Baxter, L. (2006). “You're My Parent but You're Not”: Dialectical Tensions
in Stepchildren's Perceptions About Communicating with the Nonresidential.
[Abstract by author] The nonresidential parent plays a role in the lives of stepchildren
and in stepfamily households. The focus of the present study was on the interaction
between the nonresidential parent and his/her child who resides as part of a stepfamily
household. Grounded in relational dialectics theory, the researchers performed an
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interpretive analysis of 50 transcribed interviews with college-aged stepchildren.
Stepchildren's perceptions of communication with the nonresidential parent were
animated by two contradictions: parenting/nonparenting and openness/closedness. These
two contradictions form a totality, interwoven with one another. The
parenting/nonparenting contradiction reflected stepchildren's ambivalence over
parenting attempts of nonresidential parents. Stepchildren wanted nonresidential parent
involvement and parenting, and at the same time they resisted it, often finding
communication to be awkward and challenging. In addition, stepchildren wanted open
and intimate communication with their nonresidential parents, yet they found openness to
be problematic and managed these contradictory demands via segmentation.
Implications of these findings are discussed, along with insights to guide professionals
working with stepfamilies and adults co-parenting children to better understand and
interact in ways that promote healthy stepfamilies.
Due to the fact that one of the researchers of this study, Leslie A. Baxter, was one of the
original scholars behind the RDT, it only seems logical that this theory would be used
appropriately in this research. Here the researchers identify the interdependence of people
in relationships via the dialectic concept of totality in stepfamily relationships. This was
accomplished by interviewing fifty college-aged stepchildren in an analytic coding
process to identify the communication between stepchildren and their stepparents.
Researchers used the theory to observe the contradictions within the data surrounding
openness/closedness and the communication utilized to negotiate such relational
contradictions.
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Researchers found contradictions within the relational ideals for stepparents to parent or
not to parent. These roles become confused when both parties have opposing (or
inconsistent) expectations of responsibility. Within this contradiction also exists another
contradiction of that of openness and closedness, which sits upon a groundwork
dependent on communication. The researchers suggest the importance of the quality of
contact over quantity of stepfamilies, but quickly problematize this due to the already
dialectical experiences of those in the relationship. The relevancy of the RDT theory lies
in the conundrum that if one or both people are struggling with disclosure,
communication will not progress in a desired linear way, but will continue its dialectic
structure.
Sahlstein, E. M. (2006). Making Plans: Praxis Strategies for Negotiating Uncertainty–Certainty
in Long-Distance Relationships. Western Journal Of Communication, 70(2), 147-165.
doi:10.1080/10570310600710042
[Abstract by author]Relating at a distance can be problematic in any type of relationship
(e.g., marriage, friendship, family, or work). Partners face uncertainties because of the
ebb and flow of their physical presence in each other's lives, but communication
strategies can help to bridge the physical discontinuities of everyday relating (Sigman,
1991). In this study, couple interview data, interpreted from a Relational Dialectics
perspective (Baxter & Montgomery, 1996), reflect how making plans manages both
certainty and uncertainty in 20 long-distance dating relationships (LDDRs). Three forms
of praxis strategies for managing certainty-uncertainty contradictions were recognized in
these data: planning as balance, planning as denial, and planning as segmentation.
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The RDT was used in this study to analyze long-distance couples and their conflicting
feelings about being relationally together, but often physically apart. Again, this study
focused on the dialectical concept of building tension through experiencing the opposing
feelings of certainty and uncertainty of which are brought about by long-distance
relationships. This study also focused on the importance of communication in the form of
planning within this theory as a means of easing internal and external conflict.
In the end, researchers found that not only are long-distance relationships intertwined in
contradiction, but the supposed resolution of planning demonstrated even deeper
elements of dialectics. The results of this study highlighted another aspect of the RDT,
which is that of praxis. This inherent choice-making human trait was shown to take form
in three different ways for people in long-distance relationships in this study: denial,
balance, and segmentation. These praxis bring the theory within this study full circle by
only reinforcing the idea that segmented uncertainty feeds contradiction.
Semlak, J. L., Pearson, J. C., Amundson, N. G., & Kudak, A. H. (2008). Navigating Dialectic
Contradictions Experienced by Female African Refugees during Cross-Cultural
Adaptation. Journal Of Intercultural Communication Research, 37(1), 43-64.
[Abstract by author] An increasing number of new Americans are refugees who have fled
persecution, war, and the loss of basic human rights. The current study examines the
dialectical tensions experienced by female African refugees during the cross-cultural
adaptation process. Twelve female African refugees participated in two focus groups,
uncovering the communication challenges experienced when relocating to the United
States. These women navigate contradictions of positive and negative features of their
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new lives, of being included and excluded, of being accepted and rejected, and of the real
and ideal. Their narratives are understood through the lens of cross-cultural adaptation
and dialectical theory.
This article provides a perspective of the ways in which intercultural communication
theory intersects with RDT. As a result, the RDT is utilized as a theoretical tool to gain
knowledge of the experiences of African Refugee women living in United States culture,
and therefore allows these experiences to exist outside of dualistic thought of good or
bad. The study is also unique compared to others surrounding RDT because it is
analyzing a specific time frame and social experience, instead of ongoing relational
interactions. The research is also unique in that they data was collected in focus group
interviews, as opposed to individual ones, in an effort to gain more data of the group as a
whole and not necessarily individual experiences.
RDT is taken one step further with this article by the researchers not questioning the
existence of dialectic contradictions, but rather what kind are more prominent and why.
This advanced utilization of this theory provided a further means to evaluate social
experiences of these women for example, the conclusion made by the researcher that “the
dialectic of positive-negative dialectic allows for expressions of gratitude for living in
America while simultaneously feeling living in America is challenging.” (p.53) This
article was also able to surmise that the participants of the study were able to use the
RDT theory as a communication tool, which is of course a foundational aspect of the
theory itself.
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Lowery-Hart, R., & Pacheco, G. (2011). Understanding the first-generation student experience in
higher education through a relational dialectic perspective. New Directions for Teaching &
Learning, 2011(127), 55-68. doi:10.1002/tl.457
[Abstract by author]The authors use relational dialectics theory to argue that firstgeneration college students (FGS) often struggle with a give-and-take tension between
getting involved in campus life and losing their familial and working-class identity. They
suggest that because FGS straddle two different cultures of academia and home,
institutions must address these tensions to improve the students' retention and graduate
rates.
Researchers of this study specify three categories of dialectical tensions within the RDT
consisting of integration-separation, stability-change, and expression-privacy. Here the
theory was used to provide awareness of the conflicting and sometimes isolating
experiences of first generations students. The data was collected via open-ended
interviews, categorized, and then folded upon itself in an effort to see similarities and
contradictions.
This research found “two intraindividual dialectical tension categories and two intergroup
dialectical tension categories” (Lowery-Hart & Pacheco 2011, pp. 3). What this is
referring to is the existence of internal and external complexities within dialectical
tension categories. First year students were seen to be conflicted internally (protection)
possibly due to other theories like Muted Group Theory, while also desiring relational
disclosure (openness). The research was successful in identifying some ways in which
first generations students in particular struggle with dialectically building tension.
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Goins, M. (2011). Playing With Dialectics: Black Female Friendship Groups as a
Homeplace. Communication Studies, 62(5), 531-546.
doi:10.1080/10510974.2011.584934
[Abstract from publisher] Female friendships are significant to many Black females
because they represent a homeplace, or a safe space. This study uses Baxter and
Montgomery's (1996, 1998) relational dialecticstheory and Collins’ (2000) Black
feminist thought to understand the interplay of contradictions in the stories that Black
females tell in their friendship groups. The contradictions embedded in the stories were
finances (spending/saving), language (“good”/“bad” English), appearance
(satisfaction/dissatisfaction), and race (acceptance/rejection of otherness). The
interaction of these tensions showed that the friends engaged in group segregation and
integration, which ultimately enabled them to freely express their culturally based truths
without fear of marginalization.
Passive observation was used in the research methods of this article to more accurately
observe the social groups in “real-life” situations without drastically disrupting their
environment. The RDT theory was used during research as a basis to look for
“overarching tensions”. In this case, the theory was used as an evaluation tool with a set
of communication symbols and normative discourses for which the researchers were
attempting to identify dialectical tension via social contradiction.
The results of the research seemed to be consistent with the RDT. This particular research
focus group is unique however because the researchers were also looking at social status
and the specific dynamics of marginalized groups within the elements of dialectics.
While the theory was successful in the research, it was also expanded upon simply
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because the presence of in-group dynamics. As a result, some aspects of RDT to be
applied to the group instead of just individuals because they all have similar experiences
and feel safe in their group.
Wilder, S. E. (2012). A Dialectical Examination of Remarriage Dyadic Communication and
Communication with Social Networks. Qualitative Research Reports In
Communication,13(1), 63-70. doi:10.1080/17459435.2012.722163
[Abstract by publisher] Nearly half of all marriages are remarriages, yet the remarital
dyad is the least studied dyad in marital or stepfamily research. The focus of the author
in the present study was on the communicative interactions and negotiations in
remarriage dyads and the interactions with their external networks. The author
performed an interpretive study grounded in relational dialectics theory and based on
interviews with 16 remarried participants. Through a thematic analysis, six tensions
unique to the remarriage dyad emerged. Three tensions are present for the remarried
dyad: old–new, emotional closeness–distance, past and present; and three tensions are
present for the remarried dyad and their networks: their time frame–our time frame,
dyadic revelation–network revelation, and old–new. Participants also discussed ways
they approach and manage the presence of the tensions. Implications of these findings
are discussed.
Conclusion
After completing this lengthy and thorough research on the Relational Dialectics Theory,
I have a different understanding of how I observe relationships. When I was first attempting to
make sense of this theory, it seemed logical to me to compare it to the ways in which Sociology
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theorists are polarized on a macro scale between conflict theorists and consensus theorists. I
have always been a conflict theorist in my belief that social change is often (if not always)
fostered through conflict and the same holds true for the RDT. What really sealed my current
understanding of the theory was the statement, “This approach differs from other types of
relational theories in that it considers homeostasis to be unnatural: Change and transformation
are the hallmarks of relational interaction in this perspective” (West & Turner, 2010, p. 204-5).
The next logical step then occurred during the bibliography portion, which was for me to realize
that relationships are not constantly developing for the better or worse, but maybe better and
worse. Contradictions do occur within ourselves and with others because that is part of what
makes us social human beings. What echoed this most however, was that in almost every single
research study, the effects of the theory were all centered around communication. It is through
communication that we navigate these very real relational contradictions.
Meta-references (For Intro and Conclusion)
Baxter, L.A., & Braithwaite, D.O. (2008). Relational dialectic theory. In L.A. Baxter & D.O.
Braithwaite (Eds.), Engaging theories in interpersonal communication: Multiple
perspectives (pp. 449-661). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
West, R. L., & Turner, L. H. (2010).Introducing communication theory: analysis and
application (4th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.