Relational Cultural Theory Research Articles

Emotionally Demanding Research: A Wartime Quest or a Journey of Connection

Emotionally demanding research (EDR) is a branch of qualitative inquiry that heavily draws from researchers’ psychological, emotional, and physical resources. EDR researchers have acknowledged diverse experiences and effects of EDR, including compassion fatigue, interpersonal tensions, and ill-being but there remains restricted, empirical understanding of how researchers perceive their relationship with EDR. Building on Kumar and Cavallaro’s (2018) model of researcher self-care in EDR, we explored how expert qualitative researchers encountered both the positive and the negative experiences and effects throughout their entire EDR journeys. Interview data were analyzed using a holistic form of structural analysis. Researchers narrated their EDR journeys through a “quest” typology. We interpreted this quest through the metaphor of war with the researchers facing distinct battles in the pre-data collection, data collection, and post-data collection phases. Theoretical reflections are posed in relation to existential-humanism, relational-cultural theory, and researcher self-care. Practical and method implications are also offered.

“Fue el Amor que nos Sostuvo”: The Relational Strengths of Latine Immigrant Couples

Family is an important protective factor for Latine immigrants. However, with most of the existing research focusing on overall family relationships, there is a knowledge gap about Latine couples and how their dyadic strengths may also be helpful in the face of immigration-related stressors. Using a Relational Cultural Theory framework, we conducted 16 semistructured interviews to qualitatively examine how eight Latine immigrant couples perceived their relationships positively impacted their immigration experiences. After analyzing over 20 hours of data, five themes emerged: (1) mutual support to overcome challenges and reach goals, (2) open communication based on respect, (3) working together as a team, (4) acceptance and admiration for each other, and (5) loving and being loved as a resource. Findings confirm the presence of significant relational strengths that can be leveraged in the management of immigration-related stressors. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Applications of Relational-Cultural Theory to Korean Immigrant Women in the U.S.

Applications of Relational-Cultural Theory to Korean Immigrant Women in the U.S.

Relational Cultural Theory and Intervention Approaches with Adolescent Girls: An Integrative Review

Relational Cultural Theory (RCT) offers a feminist, relationally-centered approach to therapy and social work practice, which is focused on the unique developmental experiences of girls, women, and individuals from traditionally underrepresented or marginalized groups. Much of the theoretical and intervention research on this model has focused on adult women, with less attention devoted to RCT's application with adolescent girls. This integrative literature review synthesizes qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, and case study research on RCT to assess: 1) how RCT theoretical tenets have been translated into intervention strategies with adolescent girls, and 2) the degree to which RCT intervention research includes experiences of girls from diverse and underrepresented groups. Five electronic databases were searched through August 2023. Following deduplication and screening for inclusion/exclusion, 12 studies were retained for inclusion in this review. Analysis revealed four core RCT concepts that were linked with therapeutic intervention components across all included studies: mutual empathy, authenticity, empowerment, and the overall strengthening and deepening of relational connections. Over half of included studies reported samples that were over 50% girls of color, and/or having an expressed study purpose focused on girls from a diverse or underrepresented group. Practice implications for work with adolescent girls are discussed.

From disconnection to connection: the healing potential of household hospitality to the stranger

ABSTRACT This article finds its origin in a hermeneutic phenomenological research study which examined the practice of hospitality to strangers by lay persons within private Canadian Christian homes. Special attention is given to key findings from the study which reveal the disconnection experienced by strangers, and the potential within hospitable encounters to contribute to healing human disconnection. The healing power of hospitality is explored through the voices of those who practice hospitality to strangers within their homes, the contributions of biblical texts regarding hospitality, and key tenets of Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) which emphasize the healing potential of relational connection. Hospitality was found to have the potential to heal disconnection through the provision of welcome, physical, emotional, and spiritual care, relational connection, communal living, and the appropriate use of power. Through proximity and mutual connection, both host and guest experience growth-fostering relationships that move them from disconnection to connection.

The Reality, Relevance, and Reckoning of Black College Women’s Friendships Across Race

The promotion of cross-racial relationships on college campuses has been arduous in a society that is shaped by a long history of racial inequities and racially segregated educational experiences. In this exploratory investigation of the cross-racial relationships of Black college-aged women, we considered the results of two focus groups composed of Black women undergraduates (N = 19). We identified three themes: (a) significance of race and other shared identities in structuring friendships; (b) fighting stereotypes, and (c) reckoning with the wounds of racism. Through the lens of relational cultural theory, we examine these themes as starting points for understanding cross-racial student relationships.

Homeless and Hospitalized: A Case Study of Intervention to Support Collaborative Behavior and Safety

ABSTRACT For unhoused patients, hospitalization is often a potentially life-altering event that evokes distress and triggers reactive behaviors that may undermine treatment and safety. Societal stigmatization, isolation, and disempowerment act to marginalize unhoused hospital patients, impacting their autonomy, sense of self-worth, and capacity for social interaction and collaboration. This article examines the ways in which Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) can be utilized to better understand unhoused patients’ behaviors as influenced by the relational violations and trauma they experience and suggests that relationally and culturally focused interventions are both reparative and necessary. A composite case study is employed to demonstrate the application of RCT to a behavioral and safety crisis and evidence opportunities for meaningful intervention. Implications for enhanced support of unhoused patients in hospitals are discussed, as is the need for continued research on the use of RCT to inform therapeutic intervention in acute care settings.

Let's get real: Identity concealment, burnout, and therapeutic relationship quality among psychology trainees with concealable stigmatized identities.

Identity concealment thwarts psychological needs of authenticity and belonging, both of which are important for mental health and relationship building. Through the lens of minority stress theory and relational-cultural theory, the present study examined whether identity concealment in the workplace by psychology trainees is indirectly associated with greater burnout and poorer therapeutic relationship quality. To test this hypothesis, a parallel mediation analysis was conducted on data from 335 clinical and counseling psychology doctoral trainees with concealable stigmatized identities using Hayes's (2018) PROCESS macro. As expected, identity concealment at a practicum or internship site was negatively associated with authenticity and belonging, both of which were negatively associated with burnout and positively associated with therapeutic relationship quality. Furthermore, identity concealment was associated with lower therapeutic relationship quality and greater burnout indirectly through lower authenticity and lower belonging. Findings suggest trainees who engage in more identity concealment at their clinical training sites may be at increased risk for burnout and poorer relationships with clients due to limited opportunities for authenticity and belonging. Future research is encouraged to longitudinally examine the impact of identity concealment on professional burnout and relationships, as well as potential protective factors. Such knowledge can support the development of interventions and policies that foster safer, more welcoming work environments for trainees with concealable stigmatized identities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Theories of Relational Health in Interpersonal Violence Research: A Scoping Review

Interpersonal violence is a pervasive public health problem that leads to emotional, behavioral, and physical health challenges. Theoretically, sound research examining protective factors, such as relational health, is imperative for developing effective interventions. However, the use of relational health theories in existing research needs to be better understood within the literature and should be further explored. Using scoping review methodology, 23 theories of relational health were identified in the research literature. Attachment theory and emotional security theory were the most frequently utilized. The remaining studies drew on a wide range of theories, including relational cultural theory, social support theories, and others. Findings highlight the complexities of relational experiences in interpersonal violence contexts. Future research should seek a more comprehensive understanding of the inclusion and application of relational health theories.

Incorporating Creativity into Relational Cultural Theory in Couples Counseling

This article explores the integration of creativity into relational-cultural therapy (RCT) with couples, emphasizing the potential for creative interventions to enhance clients’ understanding of self and others while promoting relational growth. RCT, rooted in the acknowledgment of chronic disconnection as a source of human suffering, focuses on meaningful interdependence and connection as essential for well-being. Despite the documented benefits of creative techniques in couples therapy, there is a gap in the literature regarding the use of creative interventions within RCT couples counseling. The article argues that incorporating creativity within RCT couples counseling facilitates the development of a common language and understanding of RCT concepts among couples. It provides an overview of RCT concepts, discusses the rationale and research supporting the integration of creativity with RCT and couples work, and offers five creative RCT-based interventions: Reflecting on the relationship, creating a context constellation, honoring strategies of disconnection, visualizing relational images, and exploring shame and authenticity. Each intervention is designed to align with RCT principles, encouraging clients to explore their identities, relational dynamics, and strategies of disconnection in a creative and experiential manner. The article emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic space, where clients and counselors can collaboratively engage in these creative activities. Overall, the integration of creativity into RCT couples counseling aims to promote vulnerability, mutual empathy, and strengthened connection within the therapeutic relationship and the couple's dyad.

Relational-cultural theory as a framework for counselor leadership

ABSTRACT In this article, Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) is discussed as a theory that can be used to inform counseling leaders’ practices. RCT’s philosophy is consistent with many of the foundations of the counseling profession, including culturally-responsive counseling leadership practices, and with Chi Sigma Iota’s Leadership Principles and Practices of Leadership Excellence. Practical suggestions for how RCT can be applied in a leadership context are provided.

The Positive Relational Couples Therapy Model: A Group Therapeutic Approach for LGBTQIA+ Military Couples

Given the history of discrimination and increased mental health risks surrounding LGBTQIA+ service members, group counseling is a practical approach for practitioners to mitigate effects in a therapeutic setting. This article synthesizes the Positive Relational Couples Therapy (PRCT) model, incorporating concepts of the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC), Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), the PERMA model, and Gottman's Method Couples Therapy as a group process to provide a conceptual framework. An outline of the PRCT model and case illustration are provided for practitioners for group counseling with LGBTQIA+ military couples. Practical group considerations and implications for this work are discussed.

Story of Childhood Sexual Trauma in Sandtray: A Relational-Cultural Theory Approach

The intervention of sandtray for children with traumatic experiences can be beneficial in creating a safe therapeutic relationship and for helping clients connect to their authentic inner world when counselors work with child sexual trauma survivors. This article applied principles of sandtray within a relational-cultural theory framework. A case example using sandtray with a 15-year-old girl was presented to exemplify the clinical integration of relational cultural theory and sandtray.
 
 

Coping With Incarceration: How Women Adjust to Being Separated From Their Children

The current study considers how women experience the pain of loss of liberty and separation from their children and families during the initial phases of incarceration and identifies factors that help them adapt and move beyond any early difficulties. It uses data from semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of incarcerated mothers to qualitatively explore their experiences, including any misconduct or troubles, and their views on what helped them during this first phase of their imprisonment. Most mothers reported more than one type of experience: mentally struggled, anger and conflict, pregnancy and loss, focused on doing my time, and kept busy. In line with relational-cultural theory (RCT), mothers noted that relational support from other women and staff in the facility, participation in groups and programming, and support from family members outside the prison helped them cope in more successful ways. Implications and policies associated with their care and management are discussed.

From Cohort to Cohesion: Application of Relational-Cultural Theory to Doctoral Cohort Development

ABSTRACT Developing a doctoral cohort has its challenges. Likewise, doctoral programs are responsible for adapting programming to serve students experiencing challenges. To address these challenges within a doctoral cohort, we applied relational-cultural theory (RCT) as a framework that can be used to support cohort experience development. With its emphasis on growth-fostering relationships, Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) supports fostering genuine social connection, mutuality, and empathy in relationships, which could alleviate isolation and suffering, which are barriers to academic success and emotional development. We use case vignettes to highlight barriers associated with cohort development and cohesion and discuss implications and future directions for counselors, counselor educators, and supervisors.

Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Relational–Cultural Theory in the Treatment of Female College Athletes

Female college athletes struggle with mental health issues at rates similar to their nonathlete peers. Relationships with coaches and teammates can significantly impact mental health. An integrative therapeutic approach that combines cognitive behavioral therapy with relational–cultural theory can provide clinicians with a framework for addressing underlying relational and systemic issues to better meet the needs of female college athletes. A case illustration featuring a Division I female soccer player struggling with negative mental self-talk will demonstrate how to effectively integrate relational–cultural theory and cognitive behavioral therapy when working with female student athletes. This article will discuss the implications for coaches, athletes, parents, mental health providers, and sport psychology practitioners about the integration of relational–cultural theory and cognitive behavioral therapy to enhance relationships with female college athletes to improve their mental health.

A Relational Cultural Approach to Perfectionism

ABSTRACT Perfectionism is a growing concern and leads to multiple psychosocial consequences. Of note, perfectionism greatly impacts relationships and the ability to form meaningful connections. Relational Cultural Theory is an approach to helping clients realize the importance of growth-fostering relationships and focuses on client empowerment. A relational cultural approach can be a highly effective approach for working through perfectionism. This article conceptualizes perfectionism through a relational cultural lens and provides treatment recommendations.

Viewing Moral Injury Through a Lens of Attachment Theory & Relational-Cultural Theory

ABSTRACT This article argues for viewing moral injury as an attachment injury. We show how Relational-Cultural Theory may be applied to treat and research moral injury. We broaden the construct of moral injury, make moral injury more culturally responsive, and outline how treatment for moral injury may be improved. The paper includes a case study to illustrate how Relational-Cultural Theory may be utilized to treat moral injury.

Supporting international women faculty in US institutions: Practice of the “We Hear, We Speak” learning community

AbstractThis paper explores, from a practical perspective, the role, and potential outcomes of the We Hear, We Speak (WHWS) learning community in supporting international women faculty and promoting their personal and professional growth. Grounded in the principles of relational cultural theory (RCT), the WHWS community embodies the core practices of the learning community framework. Through its commitment to promoting success in academia, fostering mentoring relationships, and cultivating collaboration and productivity, the community is expected to empower international women faculty to thrive in the US academic realm. By providing a supportive and growth‐oriented space, the WHWS community is anticipated to encourage its members to excel in their academic pursuits. Furthermore, it is expected to not only facilitate the development of mentoring relationships but also promote collaboration and productivity, enabling its members to engage in meaningful partnerships and contribute to the organization's success. In sum, by integrating the principles of RCT and embracing the core practices of the learning community framework, this paper discusses the potential of implementing the WHWS community to foster personal and professional growth, benefiting both individuals and the organization as a whole.

Counseling Perinatal Clients with Substance Use Disorder: A Relational Approach

ABSTRACT Treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) is frequently accompanied by concurrent trauma counseling. However, the needs of perinatal clients with SUD remain unaddressed, despite their clinical and multicultural needs concerning trauma, gender, and perinatal status. Relational cultural theory (RCT), which aims to enhance clients’ capacities for relational resilience and growth-fostering relationship, may help augment client access to adaptive support networks. We present an overview of the clinical needs of perinatal clients with dual diagnoses and propose a creative and relational approach to this vital work.