Relational Communication Theories

1. MILES AWAY
BS - Psychology II
GE-FEL LTAR (MWF 2:30PM-3:30PM)
Michelle Mari Dignos present:

2. A family structure supports each of its
members in both good and difficult
times. When a family communicates
well, everyone knows what their loved
ones require.
This theory talks about different approaches of
communication towards families, and it is vital since
these relational schemas will also influence how a
person approaches other people outside the family.
This theory is divided into several schemas, each of
which describes how each family communicates and
interacts with one another.
Relational
schemas in the
family theory
Consensual
Pluralistic
Protective
Laissez-Faire
1.
2.
3.
4.

3. different schemas in
each family :
1. Consensual - In this type of family
schema, parents encourage open
communication while yet maintaining a
family hierarchy that prioritizes parents over
children. This creates a conflict between a
desire for openness and a need for control.
Parents often resolve this conflict through
listening to their children's perspectives, but
still, making the final decision, and then
explaining why they made that decision.

4. different schemas in
each family :
2. Pluralistic - In this family, all family
members are encouraged to talk openly,
and parents do not try to control their
children's actions and decisions. Instead,
they place an emphasis on the life lessons
that a family member might gain through
spending time with other people or
engaging in introspection.
This is where my mother,
siblings, and I belong!
And I'm going to talk about it
later!

5. different schemas in
each family :
3. Protective - This family, does not
encourage open communication and wants
children to be obedient to their parents.
Parents are the ones who make the final
decisions, and they may not feel compelled
to explain their reasoning to their children.
If a child asks why a decision was made, it is
mostly because the parents said so.

6. different schemas in
each family :
4. Laissez-Faire - This family, has few and
brief encounters, and rarely communicates
with each other. However, they empower
their children to make their own choices in
order to promote personal growth and
discovery. These types of families are most
likely uninvolved in their children's decision-
making, and family members are
"emotionally detached" from one another.

7. a story of a mother and daughter
MILES AWAY
When I was little, I had no idea who my mother was. I awoke in numerous
residences, surrounded by different families in a province in Masbate. I was
getting used to the situation when a woman approached me and claimed to
be my biological mother.

8. miles away
I don't recall feeling very excited about the idea of knowing who
my biological mother is because I was becoming used to waking
up with different families. But I was really relieved to be able to
address someone as "mother." I didn't see my "mother" very often
because she was continually moving around. As a result, we didn't
have time to interact and connect with one another.
On the day of my kindergarten graduation, I was
approached by a woman who requested if she might
accompany me to the stage. I was confused, as were
my classmates, because none of us knew who she was!
Then she said, "You can call me
mommy tweet. I'm your mother."
Oh! What a shocker.

9. It turns out that the first lady, whom I mistook for my biological
mother, is actually my grandma. I didn't believe mommy tweet
until after we moved to Cebu.
And it was then that we began our family,
despite the fact that I initially felt distant from
her. My mother made every effort to
communicate with me. Always asked about my
likes and dislikes, reprimanded me when I was
in fault, but always apologized and explained
what I had done wrong. We formed a unique
bond as a result of these. I was also allowed to
openly communicate with others.

10. Love and Khayl, my twin siblings, were born after that. I was
overjoyed at the time! Because we didn't have assistance back
then, I was the one who took care of my siblings when my
mother and stepfather were at work. When my twin siblings cry,
I carry them both, and after they burp, I sing them to sleep. My
mother and I had a strong bond because caring for my twin
siblings was one of our favorite bonding activities.
Until one day, my mother left to work in Dubai since we were having
financial troubles. My stepfather and twin siblings returned to Negros,
leaving me alone in Cebu with my mother's best friend and her family.
Our communication had been cut off, which made me very sad. Internet
access was not available at the time. Then it was back to square one for us.

11. I lived with my mother's best friend for
three years. It was a nightmare! Because I
don't have communication with my mother,
they took advantage of everything. After
an accident, my grandmother decided to
come to get me. Together, we returned to
Masbate and eventually settled at my
grandmother's home.
After my stepfather died, I reconnected
with my twin siblings a few years later. The
situation in my grandmother's residence
was not particularly favorable. However, it
is preferable compared to staying in the
home of my mother's best friend.

12. My mother then decided that we should live alone.
That was when I became an "ate" with a lot of
responsibilities. My mother, on the other hand,
never fails to communicate with me. Even when she
was at work, we video chatted the majority of the
time.
It was difficult at first since it was awkward.
But, along the line, we learned how to
communicate freely with one another. She
allows me to do what I want, but she never
forgets to remind me to be responsible and
take responsibility for my actions. We were
able to share one other's secrets and crushes,
and we were always willing to lend a helping
hand with each other's issues.

13. In family problems, I was able
to voice out my concerns and
have the chance to decide
what's best.
As a result of this activity, I grew into a
responsible adult. Hardships were unavoidable
along the way, but I was able to tackle them full
on since I knew I'd always have my mother by my
side. Who I can freely consult or ask for advice on
what to do.

14. Being an ate is difficult. I didn't know how to discipline kids properly back then. And I don't
want them to have the same troubles I did when I was a kid. In addition, there are the
obligations of managing everything from the monthly budget to school-related stress. It did,
however, shape who I am today. There are still times when I wonder what my life might be
like if I were born into a different family. Nevertheless, I am grateful to have a family that is
always supportive. I am actually lucky!

15. As a pluralistic family, we are extremely upfront with each
other, and we are aware that there will always be conflict.
There are regulations, but my mother is more than willing to
bend them if I inform her what I'm doing. By doing so, my
mother demonstrates that she trusts me and my judgment,
which I appreciate since it encourages me to always trust
myself!
In addition, I grow up to be extroverted and learned how to
respect others' opinions. Simply saying hello or asking how
are you make a big difference in my day.
I'm pretty much in the middle when it comes to openness.
I've learned to share, but I'm quite selective about whom I
share things with. I also enjoy assisting others with their
challenges and can be forgiving when necessary.
Learning open communication within our family as a child
has been extremely beneficial to my development and well-
being. And for that, I'd like to thank my mother!

16. We may be miles
away, but we feel
close enough
through open
communication
thank you!