Scott wants to sit in the den alone and watch a baseball game on television, but Kathy wants Scott to go with her to see a movie at the theater. Which dialectical tension are Scott and Kathy experiencing?
a. autonomy versus connection
b. predictability versus novelty
c. openness versus closedness
d. autonomy versus predictability
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is a. autonomy versus connection.
Explanation:
In this scenario, Scott and Kathy are experiencing a dialectical tension between their desires for personal space and closeness with each other. Dialectical tensions refer to the opposing needs or desires that people experience in relationships. The tension between autonomy and connection is one of the fundamental relational tensions.
- Autonomy refers to the need for independence or personal space. Scott wants to be alone, in the den, watching the baseball game on television. He values his personal time, a chance to relax and enjoy his own company, without feeling obligated to spend time with others.
- Connection refers to the desire to feel close to others, engage in shared activities, and maintain a sense of togetherness. Kathy wants Scott to go with her to the theater, indicating her desire for companionship and the shared experience of enjoying a movie together.
This creates a tension where Scott seeks autonomy, desiring alone time, while Kathy seeks connection, wanting to spend time together. The autonomy versus connection dialectic is a common conflict in relationships as both individuals may have competing needs for independence and intimacy.
The challenge here is finding a balance between the two needs. If Scott consistently desires autonomy and Kathy needs connection, it can create friction. On the other hand, if both partners negotiate and communicate, they can find ways to respect each other’s needs. For example, Scott might agree to go to the movie with Kathy after the game, or they might decide on another way to compromise.
This tension is common in relationships, particularly when each person has different needs for time together versus time apart.
Here is the image representing the dialectical tension of autonomy versus connection, where one person seeks independence (autonomy) while the other desires closeness (connection).