Relational competence theory: research and mental health applications

Part I. Introduction to Relational Competence Theory

1. Background for a Hierarchical Theoretical Framework

Relational

Socialization for Relational Competence in Intimate Relationships Is Relational

Competence

The Nature of Hierarchy in Theory Construction

The Role of Models in Relational Competence Theory and Practice

Requirements for a Hierarchical Theory of Relational Competence

Conclusion

2. Internal and External Measures to Evaluate Models of the Theory

Internal Laboratory Measures Related to Models of Relational Competence Theory

Experimental Theory-Free Measures

Constructive Patterns

Destructive Patterns

Problems in Relationships Scale

Social Information Form

Theory-Related or Theory-Derived Measures

What Applies to Me (That I Agree With)?

Model 7 : Modalities

Model 1 : ERAAwC

Model 3 : Settings

Model 8 : Likeness Continuum Task

Model 11 : Selfhood

Model 12 : Priorities

Model 15 : Intimacy

Theory-Derived Interactive Practice Exercises Related to Models of Relational Competence Theory

Measures External to Theoretical Models

Conclusion

Part II. Metatheoretical Assumptions

3. Model 1 : The Width of Relationships

Conclusion

4. Model 2 : The Depth of Relationships

Description

Sublevel of Self-Presentation

Phenotypical Sublevel

Explanation

Genotypical Sublevel

Intergenerational Sublevel

Generational Influences

Developmental Influences

The Influence of Peer Relationships

Conclusion

5. Model 3 : Socialization Settings for Relational Competence

Differences Among Contexts and Settings

The Ecological Paradigm

The EcoMap To Evaluate Relational Competence

Usefulness of the Instrument

Description and Administration of the RC-EcoMap

Components in the Construction of the RC-EcoMap

The Three Versions of the RC-EcoMap

Phases in the Administration and Scoring of the RC-EcoMap

Administration and Recording

Analyses of Answers

Interpretation: Mapping of Participant Responses

Examples of the RC-EcoMap

First Case Study: I-RC-EcoMap

Second Case Study: C-RC-EcoMap

Third Case Study: F-RC-EcoMap

Discussion

Research on the Validity and Usefulness of the RC-EcoMap

Conclusions

Part III. Theoretical Assumptions

6. Model 4 : Ability To Love

The Measurement of Distance

A Behavioral View About the Evaluation of Distance

Conclusion

7. Model 5 : Ability To Control and Regulate Self

Dimensions of Control

Definition of Discharge

Definition of Delay

The Contribution of Philip G. Zimbardo to Model5

Conclusion

8. Model 6 : Combination of Both Abilities

Relational Competence Theory and Interpersonal Theories

Dependency as a By-Product Model of Model6

Conclusion

9. Model 7 : The Triangle of Living

Being or Presence

Doing or Performance

Having or Production

Resources and Sexual Relationships

Normal Sexual Functioning

Sexual Deviations and Paraphilias

Resources and Relational Models Theory

Research

Conclusion

Part IV. Normative Theoretical Models

10. Model 8 : Self-Identity Differentiation

The Continuum of Likeness

The Relational Self

The Likeness Continuum

Characteristics of the Likeness Continuum

Measures To Evaluate the Likeness Continuum

Likeness Scale

Likeness Grid

Likeness Profile

Problems in Interpersonal Relationships Scale

Research to Support Model8 of Identity Differentiation

Likeness Grid

Likeness Scale

Cusinato's Likeness Profile

Research To Support a Likeness Model

Study 1

Study 2

Study 3

Study 4

Conclusion

11. Model 9 : Styles in Relationships

Abusive-Apathetic Styles

Reactive-Repetitive Styles

Creative-Conductive Styles

Progression in Advancement from One Style to Another

Research

Conclusion

12. Model 10 : Interactions in Intimate Relationships

A Simple Arithmetical Model for Interactions in Intimate Relationships

Arithmetical Interactions

Discussion

Conclusion

13. Model 11 : Selfhood

Selfhood and Gender Differences

Selfhood, Space, and Importance

Expansion of the Selfhood Model to Psychiatric Conditions: Incompetence

Expansion of the Relational Competence Theory to Addictions

Research to Evaluate Model11

Evaluation of Selfishness

Evaluation of Selflessness

Evaluation of Overall Model11

Conclusion

14. Model 12 : Priorities

Dimensions of Priorities

Background About Priorities

A Model of Priorities

Theory-Derived Research on Priorities

Priorities Inventory

Priorities Scale

Priorities: A Hidden Ingredient in Relational Therapy

Vignette of Failed and Rigid Family Priorities

Conclusion

Part V. Clinically Relevant Models

15. Model 13 : Distance Regulation

A Clinical Example of Approach-Avoidance

Clinical Example of Distance Regulation

An Incomplete Model: Demand-Withdraw

Conclusion

16. Model 14 : A Pathogenic Drama Triangle

Fiction

Religion and Politics

The Justice and Legal Systems

Review of the Literature

Theory

Reframings

Therapy

Implications of the Drama Triangle for Relational Competence Theory

Conclusion

17. Model 15 : Intimacy

Convergent and Construct Validity for Intimacy (Model15)

Conclusion

18. Model 16 : Negotiation

Criterion, Convergent, and Construct Validity for Model16 (Negotiation)

Conclusion

Part VI. The Improvement of Relational Competence

19. Promotion of Relational Competence: Approaching Positive Experiences

Theory-Independent Approaches

Play

Volunteering

Low-Cost Approaches To Promote Physical and Mental Health

Self-Help

Social Skills Training Programs: Structured Enrichment Programs

Distance Writing in Self-Help, Promotion, Prevention, and Psychotherapy

Theory-Related Interactive Practice Exercises

Interactive Practice Exercises To Promote Mental Health and Lifelong Learning

Model 1 : ERAAwC

Model 4 : Ability To Love

Model 5 : Ability To Control Self

Model 9 : Styles in Intimate Relationships

Model 12 : Priorities

Model 15 : Intimacy

Research

Conclusion

20. Prevention of Relational Incompetence: Avoiding Negative Experiences

Secondary Prevention

Training for Relational Competence

Critical Comments About Psychoeducational Social Skills Training

Future Perspectives

Interactive Practice Exercises Targeted to Clinical Conditions

Conclusion

21. Treatment of Severe Relational Incompetence: One Approach Is Not Enough

Interactive Practice Exercises by Single- or Multiple-Score Tests for Severe Incompetence

Theory-Derived Therapeutic Prescriptions

Intimacy

Interactive Practice Exercises for Severe Conditions

Conclusion

Part VII. Conclusion

22. Fully Functional Relational Competence

Conclusion

Appendix A

Relational Answers Questionnaire (RAQ, ed. 2001)

Appendix B

RC-EcoMap

Answer Sheet

Data Table for Examiners

RC-EcoMap Transfer

Appendix C

Task for the Likeness Dimension

Step 1: Influential People in Your Life

Step 2: Practice Exercise

Step 3: Training Task

Step 4: Inquiry

Appendix D

Self-Other Profile Chart (Cusinato & L'Abate, 2006)

Appendix E

Priorities

General Individual

Couple Priorities

References

Index