Relational reconciliation: Toward a more comprehensive model of relational development

Abstract

On the basis of a developmental model of relational growth, this paper seeks to extend the model through an exploratory examination of relational reconciliation strategy use. Thirty‐six couples were interviewed and asked to describe their reconciliation experiences. Strategic statements were inductively derived and submitted to Q‐sort and cluster analysis. This provided a typology of seven strategy types: (1) Spontaneous Development; (2) Third Party Mediation; (3) High Affeet / Ultimatum; (4)Tacit I Persistence; (5) Mutual Interaction; (6)Avoidance; and (7)Vulnerable Appeals. The study finds that many of the strategies used in other relational contexts are used in reconciliation as well. However, sufficient variations in reconciliation strategies compared to maintenance / repair strategies suggest that reconciliation strategies are substantively different and may be indicative of an additional period of relational development.