Strong Relationality and Ethical Responsiveness: A Framework and Conceptual Model for Family Science

Abstract

AbstractFamily scholars and practitioners rely on theories of relationships to guide our understanding and promotion of healthy intimate relationships; however, assumptions about the self are often implicit and unquestioned. This article describes a strongly relational view of the self that can transform family science by accounting for partners' ethical responsiveness and dialogical way of being (I–It vs. I–Thou), concepts long understood in philosophy but largely neglected in family science. We emphasize the importance of ethical responsiveness and way of being as fundamental to both understanding and improving intimate relationships and propose a framework and conceptual model to guide both research and practice. We integrate empirical evidence with the work of Martin Buber and Emmanuel Levinas to provide an understanding of factors that may lead to meaningful and flourishing relationships. We discuss implications for empirical research and practice to advance family science.