Dysfunctional Patterns

Hi class,

In this weeks reading for chapter 6 we read about dysfunctional patterns that often shape our interpersonal relationships. What is meant by that is within these relationships “individuals create specific patterns of interaction”. It happens so often that we don’t even realize when we create these patterns. Part of these dysfunctional patterns was rigid role relations. Rigid role relations often have to do with power within the relationship. For example, the one rigid role relation I found to probably be the most difficult to change is competitive symmetry. Competitive symmetry is when “both members fight for the one-up position”. I think that would be extremely difficult to change in a relationship because it would be a constant power struggle that would never end until eventually someone gave in. Due to the constant power struggle I think competitive symmetry would also be the most damaging to a relationship. Although competitive symmetry can help partners push each other to be better in life, it can most likely hurt the relationship because it would cause too much friction and competition between the two. When it comes to which one would be potentially damaging to one’s self esteems level would be rigid complementarity. In this role one will either play the dominant role or the submissive role. Due to this the one who plays the submissive role might begin to think they are not good enough to hold some type of power in the relationship, which then will cause their self esteem levels to go down.