Interaction Theory 1

Interactional Theory

The Family System

Kaitlyn Campbell

University of Michigan-Flint
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Abstract

This study researches a specific family system and its interactions, based on

ideas from the theory of the Interactional View. It connects and explains the

meanings behind interactions and how they affect the relationships between

the individuals within the family as a whole, as well as the inner workings of

the one-on-one relationships between specific members.

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Interpersonal Communication is the process of sending and receiving

information between two people. Whether this is a casual relationship,

business partnership, a family or a significant other, each process is unique,

but not random. There are specific meanings assigned to some forms of

communication, as well as multiple theories to explain why or how these

relationships work and interact on a personal level. The interactional theory

of communication explains the interactions between family members, and

the impact of one relationship can be felt throughout the family system.

(Wilder 1979) Each family has its own unique set of systems to manage and

problems to solve.

The following paper will describe the interactional view as it pertains to

a family system, helping one understand the specific interactions in

grandmother-granddaughter relationships and how they differ among the

birth order of the grandchildren. These particular relationships allow us to

closely look at the differences in behavior of the grandmother when

interacting with different grandchildren. The relationships between the

grandmother and one grandchild can affect the relationships of the

grandmother and the other grandchildren.

In order to understand these specific relationships, it is important to

look at family systems in general. A family system is a self-regulating,

interdependent network of feedback loops that are guided by members

rules. The behavior of each person affects and is affected by the behavior of
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another (Griffin, Ledbetter, Sparks 2015). As described in A First Look at

Communication Theory, relationships within a family system are

interconnected and highly resilient to change (Wilder, 1979). Communication

among members has a content component and a relationship component

that centers on issues of control. The system can be transformed only when

members receive outside help to reframe their metacommunication (Griffin,

Ledbetter, Sparks 2015).

Each person plays a role in the family. Whether that role be the family

favorite, the black sheep, or the one who shoulders all the blame, each

interaction is unique. The cause for those interactions cannot be isolated,

however, the Interactional Communication View (Griffin, Ledbetter, Sparks

2015) explains specific areas of general situations that families go through

on a frequent basis.

The perspective of the interactional theory operates on the

fundamental premise that such problems within the family only exist if the

current and ongoing interactional group that maintains them. If the behavior

that is maintaining the problem is changed or dismissed, the problem will be

relieved (Wilder, 1979). The dysfunctions of an interactional system are

made clear by redundancy patterns that can be observed and analyzed

(Wilder, 1979). In the family, each member plays a game in order to reach a

desired outcome or in attempt to control an interaction. In this text, games

are defined as sequences of behavior governed my rules (Griffin, Ledbetter,

Sparks 2015). As a result of these games, individuals are able to punctuate

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events, using that information to guide their next behaviors. The background

of this theory is based on cause and effect of interactions and how the

communications between family members differ according to those

interactions.

Explicitly, we are looking at the relationships of grandmother with her

grandchildren. Overall, grandmothers will have a closer relationship with

those who take more time to visit them. In some cases, that person could be

the oldest grandchild. As the oldest grandchild was the first addition to a new

family, grandmothers tend to have a different feeling towards that child, as if

they brought the family together. As a result, there will be a deeper

connection coming from this relationship (Griffin, Ledbetter, Sparks 2015).

There is no intention to take away from the relationship(s) with the younger

grandchild/ren, however, lack of meaningful interaction can put a strain on

those relationships. When one relationship, specifically between the

grandmother and the oldest grandchild, communicates more often, the

interaction will punctuate a stronger sense of connection (Wilder, 1979).

When one grandchild feels the connection with the grandmother is

deeper between her and another grandchild, there may be some underlying

resentment and/or conflict between grandchildren. If the grandchildren are

siblings, their relationship away from the grandmother may be strained. One

grandchild may feel left out, while the other may simply feel less loved. Both

situations can cause harsh relationships between the ill-feeling grandchildren

and the favorite grandchild. This can be resolved, typically when an

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outsider looks at the interactions and steps in. Change will only occur when

there is a third party overlooking the relationship and guiding the family

members (Griffin, Ledbetter, Sparks 2015).

The interactions and communication between specific family members

does have an effect on other family members and their relationships. As

previously described, those relationships can also cause conflict among

family members. Each family is a unique system with conflict and resolution

constantly taking place. This paper described a system between the

grandmother and grandchildren, specifically looking at how birth order can

be a determining factor for the level of connection. The causes of these

interactions can be best described via the Interactional View of

Communication Theory. The aspects of this theory come together in attempt

to isolate behaviors that cause the uniqueness in relationships and the affect

on relationships among the rest of the family members.

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Works Cited

Griffin, Em., Ledbetter, Andrew., Sparks, Glenn. (2015). A First Look at

Communication Theory.

Wilder, Carol. (1979). The Palo Alto Group Difficulties and Directions of the

Interactional View for Human Communication Research.