Relational Dialectic Theory Summary

Baxter, L. A. (2004). A Tale of Two Voices: Relational Dialectics Theory. Journal Of Family Communication, 4(3/4), 181-192. Retrieved from EBSCOHost

In this particular article, Baxter explains to readers their understanding of the Relational Dialectics Theory. The authors inform us on how this theory affects everyone’s relationships and their everyday lives. This article is very unique in the sense that it gives us the personal perspective of the author on the theory itself. The Relational Dialectics Theory can at times be understood on different levels for every reader, the authors try to emphasize on the fact that different perspectives make a difference in the way people understand concepts.

This article will be helpful for my research when it comes down to explaining the theory itself. The beginning of the paper will have a brief explanation of the theory and as it continues towards the end, I plan on having a deeper explanation of the theory in great details with examples of other perspectives such as this one for input. I also think this article will help my paper in the sense that my perspective and the author’s perspective are different on the theory so I will be able to compare that.

Cools, C. (2005). Relational Dialectics. A Study on Intercultural Couples. Conference Papers -- International Communication Association, 1-26. Retrieved from ProQuest.

In this article, Cools takes a different approach from all the “usual” approaches of the Relational Dialectics Theory. This author investigates the 11 heterosexual relationships that occur between mankind. The author also digs deep into the fact that intercultural relationships and the theory do cross paths. After investigating the different relationships and how they relate...

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...vey of about 50 army wives and their life experiences with their husbands before, after and during the deployment. They feel the Relational Dialectics Theory gives readers a better understanding of how these wives managed to handle and save their relationships, and also how it relates to other relationships that are not necessarily romantic as well.

The information in this article is very helpful for my paper for various reasons. One of the main reasons is the fact that the information will help readers get a better understanding of how the theory itself helps different types of relationships. My situation involves misunderstanding in our relationship communication which is very similar to the couples in the articles. Having examples of how the Relational Dialectics Theory helps these couples in the article is helpful to implement into my research paper as well.