Mario Cusinato

Relational Competence Theory: Research and Mental Health Applications

to Relational Competence Theory.- Background for a Hierarchical Theoretical Framework.- Internal and External Measures to Evaluate Models of the Theory.- Metatheoretical Assumptions.- Model1: The Width of Relationships.- Model2: The Depth of Relationships.- Model3: Socialization Settings for Relational Competence.- Theoretical Assumptions.- Model4: Ability To Love.- Model5: Ability To Control and Regulate Self.- Model6: Combination of Both Abilities.- Model7: The Triangle of Living.- Normative Theoretical Models.- Model8: Self-Identity Differentiation.- Model9: Styles in Relationships.- Model10: Interactions in Intimate Relationships.- Model11: Selfhood.- Model12: Priorities.- Clinically Relevant Models.- Model13: Distance Regulation.- Model14: A Pathogenic Drama Triangle.- Model15: Intimacy.- Model16: Negotiation.- The Improvement of Relational Competence.- Promotion of Relational Competence: Approaching Positive Experiences.- Prevention of Relational Incompetence: Avoiding Negative Experiences.- Treatment of Severe Relational Incompetence: One Approach Is Not Enough.- Conclusion.- Fully Functional Relational Competence.

Linking Theory With Practice: Theory-Derived Interventions in Prevention and Family Therapy

This article shows how it is possible to progress from evaluations to direct interventions in prevention and family therapy. Models derived from a developmental relational theory of competence socialization in intimate relationships can be applied when evaluation is linked directly to specific intervention. The theory is linked to normative and nonnormative dimensions isomorphic with classifications from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—IV. In addition to verbally based interventions, nonverbal prescriptive tasks derived from models of the theory can also be administered as homework assignments. Self-help written workbooks or protocols derived from theoretical models can also be administered as alternative or additional structured interventions.

Likeness: A Hidden Ingredient in Family Therapy

The purpose of this paper is to show how one can progress from a validated theoretical model to its practical application in family therapy. The model applied in this case is the Likeness Continuum consisting of six degrees of Likeness: symbiosis, sameness, similarity, differentness, oppositeness, and alienation. A formal Task to evaluate this model in family therapy is attached to provide a basis for the evaluation of this model in the laboratory and in the therapy office.

The Dyadic Relationships Test: Creation and Validation of a Model-Derived, Visual-Verbal Instrument to Evaluate Couples Part I of II

Abstract In Part I of this article, background and rationale for the construction of a Selfhood model-derived visual-verbal Dyadic Relationships Test (DRT) is presented. Results from studies covering its reliability and verification of its psychometric properties are presented. Construct validity was evaluated through research with competing theoretical models. In Part II, results from studies are reported through discriminant and concurrent validity analyses in adoptive and traditional couples. A revision evaluated its construct validity with measures of negotiation, intimacy, and communication, and through relational and emotional life at different stages of the life cycle, including empty nest and retirement. Results from these studies tend to support the psychometric properties of this instrument and, indirectly, the validity of the Selfhood model underlying its construction.

Evaluation of a Structured Psychoeducational Intervention with Couples: The Dyadic Relationships Test (DRT)

Four cases are presented to illustrate the clinical usefulness of a new, statistically validated, visual-verbal test to evaluate couple relationships at seven different stages of the life cycle. Results from this test can be correlated with dimensions measured with another instrument, allowing to evaluate whether any progress has taken place as a result of structured or unstructured interventions.

Selfhood: A Theory-Derived Relational Model for Mental Illness and Its Applications

The purpose of this chapter is to introduce a theory-derived relational model for Mental Illness and its applications in self-help, health-promotion, sickness prevention, and psychotherapy. Consequently, most of this chapter will be concerned with explaining and expanding on; (1) the basic theoretical derivation of this model, (2) its relational qualities and (3) views of mental health and mental illness, (4) research to validate its construct, convergent, and predictive validities; and (5) its clinical and preventive applications in mental health.

Selfhood: A Hidden Ingredient in Family Therapy

ABSTRACT This article introduces a process of objective evaluation of a construct or model in the laboratory and its application in family therapy. Selfhood is a process whereby we attribute importance to self and to others, intimates and nonintimates. Four personality propensities emanate from this attribution of importance: selfulness when importance is attributed positively to self and others, selfishness when importance is attributed positively to self and negatively to others, selflessness when importance is attributed negatively to self and positively to others, and no-self when importance is attributed negatively to self and others. Evaluation and discussion of how selfhood is expressed reciprocally among family members should lead to positive changes in family functioning.

Model 4 : Ability To Love

The purpose of this chapter is to expand on a model of distance regulation in intimate relationships based on a spatial dimension of distance defined by extremes in approach and avoidance. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) prototypes in approach can be found in cluster C dependent personality disorders of axis II. Prototypes in avoidance can be found in a continuum of fears, foibles, phobias, anxieties, and avoidant personality disorders found at the other extreme of the same cluster, conceived as proximity in attachment theory (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007). Functionality is the result of the balance of approach–avoidance tendencies. Dysfunctionality occurs at the two (unbalanced) extremes of this dimension, or both dimensions could be conceived as two orthogonal dimensions, each with its highs and lows. Approach–avoidance tendencies have been measured by paper-and-pencil, self-report tests (Elliot & Covington, 2001; Feeney, 1999; Impett, Peplau, & Gable, 2005).

Perché la coniugalità è oggi così “liquida”?

Vogliamo leggere in chiave coniugale quanto abbiamo finora presentato sulla competenza relazionale. Le ragioni di questo capitolo sono di grande attualita. Possiamo dire che il modo di vivere la coniugalita sta profondamente cambiando? Nel lontano 1972 Carl Rogers1 — un noto psicoterapeuta statunitense morto nel 1987 — diceva: Ame pare che viviamo in un’epoca importante e incerta, e l’istituzione del matrimonio e sicuramente in uno stato incerto. Se dal 50 al 75 per cento dei veicoli Ford o General Motors si guastassero completamente nel primo periodo della loro vita di automobili, si prenderebbero misure drastiche. Non abbiamo sistemi cosi bene organizzati per il trattamento delle nostre istituzioni sociali, sicche la gente brancola, piu o meno alla cieca, alla ricerca di alternative al matrimonio (che ha successo certamente in meno del 50 per cento dei casi). Convivenza senza matrimonio, vita nelle comuni, estensione dei centri di assistenza infantile, monogamia periodica (con un divorzio dopo l’altro), movimento di liberazione delle donne per l’instaurazione della donna come persona autonoma con pieni diritti, nuove leggi sul divorzio che eliminano il concetto di colpa: e tutto un muoversi a tentoni verso qualche nuova forma di rapporto uomo-donna per il futuro. Ci vorrebbe qualcuno molto piu audace di me per predire che cosa ne verra fuori (p. 15).

Siamo produttori e prodotto di relazioni

Tutti noi siamo immersi in un mondo di relazioni. Lo affermano la nostra storia biologica evolutiva, la nostra esperienza personale, la riflessione culturale. Eppure, gran parte degli studi psicologici sullo sviluppo dell’individuo non si e mossa e non si sta muovendo affatto in questa direzione, anche se la letteratura registra timidi tentativi di apertura relazionale. E come se l’individuo si sviluppasse nel vuoto: non e cosi per nessuna persona, non lo e mai stato, non lo sara mai. Siamo animali sociali anche quando scegliamo di vivere isolati. Lo stampo delle prime figure di accudimento rimangono dentro di noi; nostra madre ci ha portato nel suo grembo per nove mesi, siamo vissuti in simbiosi con lei. Il suo sentire e parte del nostro sentire. Da li e partita l’avventura della vita di ciascuno, la costruzione dell’identita personale.