A Dialectical Approach to Studying Long-Distance Maintenance Strategies

• Main Author: Maguire, Katheryn C. (Katheryn Coveley)
• Other Authors: Cawyer, Carol
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 1997
• Subjects: communication; dialectics; relationships; Long-distance relationships.; Interpersonal relations.; Separation (Psychology)
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc278229/

Using both qualitative and quantitative methodology, this thesis investigates the tactics used by long-distance relational partners, the differences in use of the tactics between long-distance and proximal partners, the relationship among the maintenance tactics, and the relationship of the tactics to relational satisfaction. Seven relational maintenance strategies were identified from the investigation: affirmation, expression, high tech mediated communication, low tech mediated communication, future thought, negative disclosure, and together-time. Significant differences in the use of maintenance tactics between long-distance and proximal partners were discovered and several tactics were found to correlate with relational satisfaction for both relationship types. It is concluded that relational maintenance should be viewed from a multi-dimensional perspective that recognizes the impact relational dialectics have on relationships.