by Barbara M. Montgomery, Leslie A. Baxter (1998)
This work serves as a model for scholarly communication in which multiple voices are acknowledged as valid; the worth of one perspective is not measured by the denigration of another, and difference is celebrated as conducive to learning rather than threatening to it. The contributors emphasize the characteristics of their dialectical views that set them apart from other authors in their field and describe their methods of studying relationships from a dialectical perspective. Following the Bakhtlnian perspective, they honor the values of dialogism by respecting different and sometimes contradictory views and by joining in a discussion with the editors and other contributors about their emerging work.
Leslie A. Baxter, Barbara M. Montgomery
Drawing upon the dialogism of social theorist Mikhail Bakhtin, the authors re-conceive the core ideas of interpersonal communication - relationship development; closeness; certainty; openness; communication competence; and the boundaries between self, relationship, and society.
John Powell
John Powell applies his valuable insights into self-awareness and interpersonal communication to help us develop self-esteem and improve our relationships with others. We all fear rejection. We are afraid that people will not like us if they know what we are really like, so we often assume poses to avoid being honest with them and with ourselves. Powell identifies five levels of communication and suggests that the kinds of information we disclose determine the level of depth of our relationships. Who are you? Are you the “Know-it-all”? Are you a “body beautiful”? Are you “the clown,” “the competitor,” the cynic,” or one of the many other characters people portray to protect themselves? Only when we face our fears openly and honestly can we learn to like ourselves and trust that others will accept us as we really are.
Pilar Sordo
Lo importante será descubrir los aspectos masculinos y femeninos que hemos desarrollado y cómo podemos equilibrar y complementar ambos matices desde nuestro interior para poder hacer más fluida e íntegra nuestra estabilidad psicológica y, por ende, lograr la armonía necesaria para poder desarrollarnos con plenitud, tanto respecto de uno mismo como con los seres que más queremos.
Susan Jeffers
Par le biais du thème de l'amour, l'auteure traite de divers aspects de la psychologie féminine et des relations interpersonnelles. Il aborde aussi d'autres questions telles que la colère, l'intimité, la confiance, l'appréciation de soi, etc.