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Pasco-Hernando State College *
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Communications
Date
Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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11
Uploaded by CorporalWorldKingfisher5
Draft 1
PART 1
Topic:
For my consulting project, I want to explore the intricacies of communication issues and trust issues in long-term relationships. I am interested in these problems as they are the root cause of many problems in any relationship, but they persistently cause problems in long-term partnerships. I believe healthy communication is the greatest foundation for any relationship, and
I believe being able to know to combat these issues will lead to stronger, more resilient connections between partners. By understanding how couples communicate on a regular basis I hope to find ways to enhance communication skills within my own relationship as well as offer insight and solutions for others.
Title: Navigating Communication and Trust Challenges in Long-Term Relationships
Introduction:
Long-term relationships are the bedrock of emotional and personal growth, but they are not without their complexities. This consulting project delves into the intricate issues of communication and trust, which are often the root causes of many problems in any relationship but tend to persistently challenge long-term partnerships. The focus of Part 1 is to describe this challenge in detail, and provide specific examples to help clarify the associated goals for addressing these issues effectively.
Communication and trust are essential to any relationship, but they take on unique dynamics in long-term partnerships. I believe the challenge lies in the following areas or points. First being
breakdowns in communication. Long-term partnerships can fall into communication patterns that
will hinder authentic and effective exchanges of communication, and partners may begin to feel like they are talking at each other instead of with each other. Secondly the Erosion of trust, which is an essential foundation for every relationship, can and will become fragile due to unfulfilled promises, lapses in communication, and overall lack of genuine communication between partners. This lack of trust and ability to clearly communicate can potentially lead to assumptions, and misunderstandings between partners, and may lead to feelings of inadequacy, hurt, or in some cases resentment. Change, while good, can also present issues as the relationship
dynamic needs to change and evolve as well or the relationship will begin to feel stagnant, and partners may think they are growing apart.
Specific Examples:
To illustrate the challenge further, consider the following specific examples:
Over time, a couple has developed a pattern of avoiding difficult conversations. They sweep issues under the rug to keep the peace, which results in unspoken tensions and unresolved conflicts. Another example, a partner in a long-term relationship had confided in their significant
other about a personal matter, but it was later disclosed to friends without consent. This breach of
trust damaged the relationship significantly. An example of assumptions or misunderstandings could be related to a partner thinking the other is committing acts of infidelity if they are being secretive, or not as open as they normally would. Addressing the challenge of communication and trust issues in long-term relationships is crucial for maintaining a healthy and enduring partnership. The goal of this challenge is to maintain
effective communication and keep a high level of trust between each other throughout the long-
term partnership. For improving communication, the primary goal is to create a safe open space where partner can be honest and vulnerable with each other. This would involve active listening, expressing of emotions and needs, support, and resolving conflicts efficiently. To rebuild trust that may have been lost, long term partnerships need to be transparent with each other, and work together to honor commitments to each other and be consistent with each other. Actively engaging in clear communication helps prevent the making of assumptions. The safe space created by improved communication also allows for each partner to express their concerns or worries which can help limit misunderstandings between partners.
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Part 2:
The 4 communication theories I would use to help explain and develop my challenge would be social exchange theory, Relational dialectics theory, attachment theory, and communication accommodation theory. As a basis we know effective communication trust is essential for the longevity and betterment of a Long-term Relationship.
How each theory relates to Communication and trust issues in long-term relationships”
Social Exchange Theory:
individuals assess the costs and benefits of their relationships. In long-term relationships, partners engage in ongoing evaluations of what they invest (time, emotions, resources) versus what they gain. Over time, this evaluation influences the level of satisfaction and commitment in the relationship. The theory suggests communication in long-
term relationships can be influenced by the perceived rewards and costs. If partners feel their needs are consistently met through open and honest communication, trust is likely to be maintained or strengthened. However, by the same token, breakdowns in communication can occur if one feels their needs are not met, thus impacting the trust levels of the relationship.
Relational Dialectics Theory:
emphasizes the existence of opposing tensions in relationships, such as autonomy/connection, predictability/novelty, and openness/closedness, and long-term relationships experience these tensions as partners try to navigate their relationship. effective communication in long-term relationships involves recognizing and managing these dialectical tensions. Partners must negotiate their communication styles to balance the need for predictability and routine with the need for novelty and spontaneity.
Attachment Theory:
explores how early caregiver relationships influence adult romantic relationships. In the long term, individuals bring their attachment styles (secure, anxious,
avoidant) into partnerships, influencing their expectations of communication patterns and trust in
their partners. Attachment styles impact how individuals communicate and interpret the communication of their partners. For example, an individual with an anxious attachment style may seek reassurance frequently, affecting communication dynamics. Trust is closely tied to the consistency and responsiveness of communication, reflecting the secure or insecure nature of the attachment bond. Communication Accommodation Theory:
explores how individuals adjust their communication styles to align with others. In long-term relationships, partners often engage in accommodation to foster connection, adapting their communication patterns over time.
Accommodation in communication can either enhance or challenge trust. If partners accommodate each other's needs effectively, trust can be reinforced. However, if accommodation
is perceived as insincere or forced, trust may be compromised as the communication does not seem as genuine.
“Showcase how social exchange theory directly effects long-term relationships, and how a couple’s communication and trust issues may be directly related the “cost-benefit” analysis typically found within social exchange theory” Utilize source 5.
For source two I plan to incorporate the idea of long distance (LDR) long term relationships, and how their use or lack thereof good communication and trust level directly lead to how satisfied they are with their relationship. For example, relationships that engage in more face-to-face communication, such as facetimes/video calls, may fare better than relationships that don’t utilize these types of communication.
Utilize source 4 and explain how the differing attachment styles can create challenges when it comes to communication and trust within a long-term relationship and explain strategies or ways to cope with these unique challenges and how/what makes these specific strategies successful when used.
The relational implications of experiencing communication and trust issues can be profound, influencing not only the quality of the relationship but also individual well-being and mental health. Use sources 3 and 6 to explain how trust in your partner/lack of can influence your mental health and create other problems for the relationship or one’s own mental wellbeing. Also, might be able to explain the relationship between certain attachment styles and how they affect trust, and can also affects one’s levels of anxiety, depression, etc.
What I think is most meaningful and important to know about the challenge presented by communication and trust issues is that it is something every relationship will face at some point and is one of the few issues that can break up not only the foundation of your relationship but also lead to more issues in other aspects of your life and leave with lifelong trauma that will affect you in future relationships. Those that never learn to work on their communication issues may continue to make the same mistakes in their next relationship or will never be able to fully trust and feel like they cannot open to their current partner. The relational implications of this challenge will ultimately affect the quality of the relationship and how satisfied those involved will feel and can also affect everyone in different ways relating to their physical and mental well-
being.
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Sources I plan to use: 1: When poor communication does and does not matter: The moderating role of stress. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-11898-001
2: Patterns of Communication Channel Use in the Maintenance of Long-Distance Relationships https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marianne-Dainton/publication/
233167582_Patterns_of_communication_channel_use_in_the_maintenance_of_long-
distance_relationships/links/0c96052cd8444d5ff3000000/Patterns-of-communication-channel-use-in-
the-maintenance-of-long-distance-relationships.pdf
3: Trust in Relationships: A Study to Determine the Importance of Trust
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=honors_theses
4: https://books.google.com/books?
hl=en&lr=&id=c3qRAgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT71&dq=attachment+theory+and+how+it+affects+long+ter
m+relationships&ots=zNkPb0xJeL&sig=ega-KZbBkNaqOWM5rp0gc0yNWL8#v=onepage&q=attachment
%20theory%20and%20how%20it%20affects%20long%20term%20relationships&f=false
5: Marital Relationships: A Social Exchange Theory Perspective https://web.archive.org/web/20170812055428id_/https://faculty.mccneb.edu/ajmaley/images/
Marriage-A%20Social%20Exchange%20Perspective.pdf
6: A Healthy Dose of Trust: The relationship between interpersonal trust and health
https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/47389128/SchneideretalTrustHealthPERE-libre.pdf?
1469060229=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename
%3DA_healthy_dose_of_trust_The_relationship.pdf&Expires=1698465697&Signature=I3pDu0DMpokzX
Ov5xt8tuvvymtJ~tcNOL10qWAB37ve7nf3ZnwBBUrdFEBVAqfOxT12Si9A5xZEmKU73zhVLzn1H0hrb6ARM
XU3J9xSTJbqMju9bs0OjyCdiSfetbbbr7~SQ4lBBI5N~Wn0C5bTLXanEI~H5oGe3qFOjnuWU7FMWxXN2HRV
MvWhOPhsWaqJ7k9aNi8HpQsySiADHpFdXUj7rbIAyFWyd8mP1OELkx4l1Gnv2-
4ndtQT3Fah2BRXbdCDZiEeSSohFCgNcg4GmtApjBRJDCfaJhJrJDibjCVkgabB9l4gs8pvlEVi7-
5DPLeFDB7dyPm7ePA1z8Ts0uA__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA
Part 3
For my consulting project I would like to provide Online learning modules for couples to work on together and complete to work through and fix their communication and trust issues. My plan to launch an online program or system aimed at helping couple in long-term relationships who face communication and trust issues. The online modules allow for couples to work through the modules together at their own pace as they might not always have schedules that sync up. I plan to deliver content in either videos, written guides, or practical exercises for the couple to partake in and use to practice the communication strategies, trust-building techniques, and other key points they are learning though out the modules. To begin, I want to help couples figure out their attachment styles as that can help them gauge why they or their may react the way the way they do to certain situations. For example, someone with an avoidant attachment style is more likely to value their “freedom” and be independent, as well as not able to tolerate emotional intimacy as
well as someone who has a secure attachment style. Someone with a secure attachment style will
better understand and tolerate emotional intimacy but may lack independence from their partner. A couple like this may struggle if the secure attachment partner feels ignored or that their emotional needs are not being met by their avoidant partner. Once couples can figure out their attachment styles, the modules would cater toward their specific styles and any other niche needs, or issues they might have. This would all be found through a consultation meeting, or some sort of “introduce yourself/tell us about yourself” discussion or reflection. From this point on, the couples will follow along with their modules and be able to join discussion forums with other couples so they can see that not only are they not alone in the issues they face, but also be able to reach out to “an ordinary person” who may also be facing the same struggles in their
relationship. They will also be able to get additional help or advice from experts. I also believe the implementation of webinars or live conference call like meetings would help people be able to get information they need in real time or ask challenging questions and get on the spot advice from multiple sources. As couples’ complete modules they will be able to get a certificate of completion to have a tangible piece of evidence that they are working toward bettering their relationship with each other. I believe the best measure of success for this program would be participant feedback and them sharing their own success stories, as well as them sharing things that can be worked on as every relationship has its own quirks that make it special and will need to be treated as such.
Dissemination Plan: Online Learning Modules
1.
Target Audience: Individuals and couples in long-term relationships facing communication and trust issues who prefer a self-paced, flexible learning environment.
2.
Content Delivery: Create a series of online learning modules that include the following elements:
a. Videos: Engaging video content with expert advice and real-life examples to explain effective communication strategies, trust-building techniques, conflict resolution, boundary setting, etc.
b. Written Content: In-depth written guides and articles to supplement the video content, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topics.
d. Practical Exercises: Assignments and exercises for participants to practice and apply the principles discussed in real-life scenarios.
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3.
Interaction and Engagement: Incorporate the following interactive elements:
a. Discussion Forums: Create dedicated discussion forums for participants to share their experiences, ask questions, and seek advice from peers and experts.
b. Webinars: Conduct periodic webinars to address specific questions and facilitate live discussions on challenging topics.
4.
Self-Paced Learning: Participants can progress at their own pace, enabling them to revisit
content as needed and adapt the learning experience to their schedules.
5.
Progress Tracking: Implement a tracking system that allows participants to monitor their progress and receive certificates upon completing the modules, which can serve as a tangible representation of their commitment to improving their relationships.
6.
Support: Provide access to support staff or counselors who can address specific questions or concerns through email or live chat.
7.
Promotion: Promote the online learning modules through various channels, including social media, relationship-focused forums, therapy websites, and targeted online advertisements to reach the intended audience.
8.
Measuring Success: Success will be measured through:
a. Completion Rates: Tracking the number of participants who complete the modules.
b. Participant Feedback: Gathering feedback on the effectiveness and usefulness of the modules through surveys and evaluations.
c. Improved Relationships: Encouraging participants to share their success stories and positive experiences after applying the lessons learned in their relationships.