Relational Competence Theory

by L'Abate, Luciano; Cusinato, Mario; Maino, Eleonora; Colesso, Walter; Scilletta, Claudia

• ISBN13: 9781441956644
• ISBN10: 1441956646
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-06-20
• Publisher: Springer Verlag

Summary

This book elaborates and updates with recent research the author's existing theory of relational competence. This theory, both contextual and developmental, focuses on how effectively we deal with each other, with intimates and non-intimates in close/distant, committed/ uncommitted, dependent/interdependent/independent, and short/prolonged relationships. The book provides:an introduction to RCT with definitions of conceptual termsresearch data supporting internal and external measuresin-depth analysis of meta-theoretical assumptions and theoretical assumptionsfour-major theoretical modelsclinically relevant models that can be applied to psychotherapysuggestions for the improvement of relational competence

Table of Contents

Introduction to Relational Competence Theory
Background for a Hierarchical Theoretical Framework	p. 3
Relational	p. 3
Socialization for Relational Competence in Intimate Relationships Is Relational	p. 4
Competence	p. 7
The Nature of Hierarchy in Theory Construction	p. 9
The Role of Models in Relational Competence Theory and Practice	p. 12
Requirements for a Hierarchical Theory of Relational Competence	p. 13
Conclusion	p. 18
Internal and External Measures to Evaluate Models of the Theory	p. 19
Internal Laboratory Measures Related to Models of Relational Competence Theory	p. 19
Experimental Theory-Free Measures	p. 19
Constructive Patterns	p. 20
Destructive Patterns	p. 20
Problems in Relationships Scale	p. 20
Social Information Form	p. 20
Theory-Related or Theory-Derived Measures	p. 21
What Applies to Me (That I Agree With)?	p. 21
Model7: Modalities	p. 21
Model1: ERAAwC	p. 21
Model3: Settings	p. 21
Model8: Likeness Continuum Task	p. 22
Model11: Selfhood	p. 22
Model12: Priorities	p. 23
Model15: Intimacy	p. 23
Theory-Derived Interactive Practice Exercises Related to Models of Relational Competence Theory	p. 23
Measures External to Theoretical Models	p. 23
Conclusion	p. 30
Metatheoretical Assumptions	p. 31
Model1: The Width of Relationships	p. 33
Conclusion	p. 42
Model2: The Depth of Relationships	p. 43
Description	p. 43
Sublevel of Self-Presentation	p. 44
Phenotypical Sublevel	p. 57
Explanation	p. 57
Genotypical Sublevel	p. 57
Intergenerational Sublevel	p. 58
Generational Influences	p. 65
Developmental Influences	p. 67
The Influence of Peer Relationships	p. 67
Conclusion	p. 68
Model3: Socialization Settings for Relational Competence	p. 69
Differences Among Contexts and Settings	p. 70
The Ecological Paradigm	p. 72
The EcoMap To Evaluate Relational Competence	p. 75
Usefulness of the Instrument	p. 76
Description and Administration of the RC-EcoMap	p. 77
Components in the Construction of the RC-EcoMap	p. 78
The Three Versions of the RC-EcoMap	p. 78
Phases in the Administration and Scoring of the RC-EcoMap	p. 79
Administration and Recording	p. 80
Analyses of Answers	p. 80
Interpretation: Mapping of Participant Responses	p. 81
Examples of the RC-EcoMap	p. 81
First Case Study: I-RC-EcoMap	p. 81
Second Case Study: C-RC-EcoMap	p. 83
Third Case Study: F-RC-EcoMap	p. 84
Discussion	p. 86
Research on the Validity and Usefulness of the RC-EcoMap	p. 87
Conclusions	p. 93
Theoretical Assumptions
Model4: Ability To Love	p. 97
The Measurement of Distance	p. 99
A Behavioral View About the Evaluation of Distance	p. 99
Conclusion	p. 101
Model5: Ability To Control and Regulate Self	p. 103
Dimensions of Control	p. 104
Definition of Discharge	p. 104
Definition of Delay	p. 105
The Contribution of Philip G. Zimbardo to Model5	p. 107
Conclusion	p. 108
Model6: Combination of Both Abilities	p. 109
Relational Competence Theory and Interpersonal Theories	p. 110
Dependency as a By-Product Model of Model6	p. 113
Conclusion	p. 114
Model7: The Triangle of Living	p. 115
Being or Presence	p. 117
Doing or Performance	p. 117
Having or Production	p. 118
Resources and Sexual Relationships	p. 118
Normal Sexual Functioning	p. 118
Sexual Deviations and Paraphilias	p. 119
Resources and Relational Models Theory	p. 120
Research	p. 122
Conclusion	p. 123
Normative Theoretical Models
Model8: Self-Identity Differentiation	p. 127
The Continuum of Likeness	p. 127
The Relational Self	p. 128
The Likeness Continuum	p. 133
Characteristics of the Likeness Continuum	p. 134
Measures To Evaluate the Likeness Continuum	p. 136
Likeness Scale	p. 136
Likeness Grid	p. 138
Likeness Profile	p. 138
Problems in Interpersonal Relationships Scale	p. 138
Research to Support Model8 of Identity Differentiation	p. 139
Likeness Grid	p. 139
Likeness Scale	p. 140
Cusinato's Likeness Profile	p. 141
Research To Support a Likeness Model	p. 142
Study 1	p. 142
Study 2	p. 144
Study 3	p. 144
Study 4	p. 145
Conclusion	p. 145
Model9: Styles in Relationships	p. 147
Abusive-Apathetic Styles	p. 148
Reactive-Repetitive Styles	p. 148
Creative-Conductive Styles	p. 149
Progression in Advancement from One Style to Another	p. 150
Research	p. 151
Conclusion	p. 152
Model10: Interactions in Intimate Relationships	p. 153
A Simple Arithmetical Model for Interactions in Intimate Relationships	p. 157
Arithmetical Interactions	p. 159
Discussion	p. 160
Conclusion	p. 161
Model11: Selfhood	p. 163
Selfhood and Gender Differences	p. 165
Selfhood, Space, and Importance	p. 169
Expansion of the Selfhood Model to Psychiatric Conditions: Incompetence	p. 171
Expansion of the Relational Competence Theory to Addictions	p. 172
Research to Evaluate Model11	p. 174
Evaluation of Selfishness	p. 174
Evaluation of Selflessness	p. 178
Evaluation of Overall Model11	p. 187
Conclusion	p. 188
Model12: Priorities	p. 189
Dimensions of Priorities	p. 190
Background About Priorities	p. 190
A Model of Priorities	p. 193
Theory-Derived Research on Priorities	p. 194
Priorities Inventory	p. 195
Priorities Scale	p. 195
Priorities: A Hidden Ingredient in Relational Therapy	p. 198
Vignette of Failed and Rigid Family Priorities	p. 199
Conclusion	p. 201
Clinically Relevant Models
Model13: Distance Regulation	p. 205
A Clinical Example of Approach-Avoidance	p. 205
Clinical Example of Distance Regulation	p. 208
An Incomplete Model: Demand-Withdraw	p. 209
Conclusion	p. 211
Model14: A Pathogenic Drama Triangle	p. 213
Fiction	p. 215
Religion and Politics	p. 215
The Justice and Legal Systems	p. 216
Review of the Literature	p. 217
Theory	p. 218
Reframings	p. 218
Therapy	p. 219
Implications of the Drama Triangle for Relational Competence Theory	p. 220
Conclusion	p. 221
Model15: Intimacy	p. 223
Convergent and Construct Validity for Intimacy (Model15)	p. 225
Conclusion	p. 230
Model16: Negotiation	p. 231
Criterion, Convergent, and Construct Validity for Model16 (Negotiation)	p. 231
Conclusion	p. 234
The Improvement of Relational Competence
Promotion of Relational Competence: Approaching Positive Experiences	p. 237
Theory-Independent Approaches	p. 237
Play	p. 238
Volunteering	p. 238
Low-Cost Approaches To Promote Physical and Mental Health	p. 238
Self-Help	p. 238
Social Skills Training Programs: Structured Enrichment Programs	p. 239
Distance Writing in Self-Help, Promotion, Prevention, and Psychotherapy	p. 239
Theory-Related Interactive Practice Exercises	p. 240
Interactive Practice Exercises To Promote Mental Health and Lifelong Learning	p. 241
Model1: ERAAwC	p. 242
Model4: Ability To Love	p. 242
Model5: Ability To Control Self	p. 243
Model9: Styles in Intimate Relationships	p. 243
Model12: Priorities	p. 243
Model15: Intimacy	p. 243
Research	p. 245
Conclusion	p. 245
Prevention of Relational Incompetence: Avoiding Negative Experiences	p. 247
Secondary Prevention	p. 247
Training for Relational Competence	p. 248
Critical Comments About Psychoeducational Social Skills Training	p. 248
Future Perspectives	p. 249
Interactive Practice Exercises Targeted to Clinical Conditions	p. 250
Conclusion	p. 252
Treatment of Severe Relational Incompetence: One Approach Is Not Enough	p. 253
Interactive Practice Exercises by Single- or Multiple-Score Tests for Severe Incompetence	p. 254
Theory-Derived Therapeutic Prescriptions	p. 256
Intimacy	p. 257
Interactive Practice Exercises for Severe Conditions	p. 258
Conclusion	p. 259
Conclusion
Fully Functional Relational Competence	p. 263
Conclusion	p. 264
Appendix A	p. 265
Relational Answers Questionnaire (RAQ, ed. 2001)	p. 265
Appendix B	p. 269
RC-EcoMap	p. 269
Answer Sheet	p. 269
Data Table for Examiners	p. 272
RC-EcoMap Transfer	p. 273
Appendix C	p. 275
Task for the Likeness Dimension	p. 275
Step 1: Influential People in Your Life	p. 276
Step 2: Practice Exercise	p. 277
Step 3: Training Task	p. 277
Step 4: Inquiry	p. 278
Appendix D	p. 279
Self-Other Profile Chart (Cusinato & L'Abate, 2006)	p. 279
Appendix E	p. 285
Priorities	p. 285
General Individual	p. 285
Couple Priorities	p. 288
References	p. 289
Index	p. 321
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