Change Processes in Relationships: A Relational-Historical Research Approach

by Alan Fogel , Andrea Garvey , Hui-Chin Hsu , Delisa West-Stroming

• ISBN13: 9780521120685
• ISBN10: 0521120683
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-10-01
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Just as each person develops from infancy to adulthood, all interpersonal relationships have a life history that encompasses the changes in how people communicate with each other. This book is about how a relationship transforms itself from one pattern of communication to another. The authors present a unique research method called 'relational-historical research', based on advances in dynamic systems theory in developmental psychology, and qualitative methods in life history research. It rests on three premises: that the developing relationship (not the individual) is the unit of analysis; that change emerges from, but is not entirely constrained by, the patterns of the past; and that the developmental process is best revealed by making frequent observations within a particular case before, during, and after a key developmental transition. Looking specifically at the mother-infant relationship, this is a compelling piece of research that will appeal to an international audience of intellectuals and practitioners.

Table of Contents

Prologue: overview of the research problem and summary of findings

Relationships as developing systems: theoretical foundations

Mother-ôinfant relationship development in the first six months: from face-to-face play to object play

Relational-historical research on development change

Relational-historical research: the case study approach, frame analysis, qualitative and quantitative analysis

Research propositions about relationship change process

Research methods for the current investigation: subjects, procedures, and data analysis

Results of the current investigation: quantitative analysis of developmental changes in relationship frames and in infant actions

Results of the current investigation: qualitative analysis of Richard and his mother

Results of the current investigation: qualitative analysis of Betsy and her mother

Results of the current investigation: qualitative analysis of Lewis and his mother

Results of the current investigation: qualitative analysis of Susan and her mother

Summary of finding on relational-historical change

Epilogue: laws of change, implications for theory and practice

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