Relational Dialectics Theory

The Big Three

100

What are the 'Big Three' tensions in various relationships?

Dialectic of Integration/Separation, Dialectic of Stability/Change, and Dialectic of Expression/Nonexpression

200

Which dialectic focuses on how people communicate in ways that show consistency or inconsistency within the relationship?

Dialectic of Certainty/Uncertainty 

300

Which dialectic focuses on the display of conflict/harmony to others outside the relationship?

Revelation/Concealment

400

Which dialectic deals with the tension between keeping information private and sharing it with the social network?

Dialectic of Expression

500

What type of tension occurs when couples communicate in ways that stress both the importance of spending time with other people as well as keeping to themselves?

Inclusion-seclusion Tension

Managing Tensions

100

What are the four ways to manage dialectical tensions?

Segmentation, separation, neutralization, and reframing

200

Of the four ways to manage dialectical tensions, which involves talking about tensions so that they seem complementary rather than contradictory?

Reframing

300

Of the four ways to manage dialectical tensions, which involves talking about the tensions in a way that values one side of the dialectic of the other?

Separation 

400

Of the four ways to manage dialectical tensions, which involves separating life and relationship into spheres to lessen the impact of the tension?

Segmentation

500

Of the four ways to manage dialectical tensions, which one means that neither party is fully satisfied?

Neutralization

Tensions in Friendships

100

What are two of the six main dialectical tensions that characterize relationships?

Connection-autonomy, inclusion-seclusion, certainty-uncertainty, conventionality-uniqueness, openness-closedness, revelation-concealment

200

Which tension involves trying to meet the other's expectations of the relationship?

certainty-uncertainty

300

Which tension reflects the tension between what the relationship 'out to be' and what the relationship 'really is?'

Conventionality-uniqueness

400

Which dialectic focuses on the tension between wanting the freedom to pursue individual activities and depending on someone for help and support?

Independent-dependent

500

Which tension focuses on how much friends express versus keep information private?

Expression/Nonexpression