RELATIONAL CULTURAL THEORY

Relational cultural theory

Abstract

During the 60's and 70's, feminist writers began to show that traditional psychodynamic theories and practical forms of neglected or misunderstood aspects of women's experience were very important. Their work inspired many people to discuss the relations, connections and communication issues.

According to the relational-cultural theory, the objective of development is not forming a separate, independent self, but rather the ability to participate actively in relationships that promote the welfare of all involved (i.e., promoting growth relationships). In isolation relational-cultural theory is seen as one of the main sources of suffering in the lives of people and the movement towards reciprocity through the connection is in the heart of relational development and ushers us out of isolation. Openness to influence, emotional availability, mutual respect and responsiveness characterize growing and relationships that promote growth. Empathy and concern for the flow in both directions. In this process, not the affirmation of personal experience and the importance of a separate sense of self, our sense of self are experienced as part of larger unit relationships (Werner¸1988, 66).

Introduction

The relational-cultural model on the growth of the relationship and connection has gained great importance these days. Many Western and dominant models of society nozzle community relations, but to promote competition, disconnection, and hyper-individualism. Therefore, the creation of communities of resistance and resilience, where the alternative relational values are highly valued and where people support each other to become change agents is essential to the completion of growth in relation to all people (Jordan, 1991, 87).

Miller, like other multicultural and feminist theorists, suggested that the lack of understanding of contextual and relational experiences of women, people of color and marginalized men led many mental health professionals, a condition of these people by misunderstanding and devaluation of how these factors contribute to psychological well-being of people. Therefore, the ECA complements multicultural / social justice movement, (a) identify how contextual and cultural challenges that impede the ability of individuals to create, maintain and participate in the growth, building relationships in therapy and life and (b) illuminating the complexities of human development by offering a comprehensive review of the development of relational skills throughout life. Challenges for the development of such relational skills in stratified and oppressive social culture today is highlighted in this article (Miller¸2004, 88).

Basic principles and assumptions of RCT

These theories were written by and for women because the model of psychology was written by and for men. The whole model of healthy psyche is not something that a healthy woman could relate to. But as people became more committed to having emotional lives in their marriages and relationships, and more aware of the holes in our life, also realized our need for connection. And that is how and why this model is so profoundly important for men, although not always "get" women as they do.

Now we understand the chronic disconnection can have terrible consequences, both psychologically and physically. Relational cultural theory teaches that we are not our ...