Interactive View 1

The Interactive View Theory Expert Paper

Katie Cervoni & Cassie Adams
Indiana Wesleyan University
October, 2 2014

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According to Paul Watzlawick The Interactional Theory is a based on how the
actions of one family member affect the rest of the members. Relationships within a
family have a unique aspect due to their closeness, both emotionally and physically. The
theory discusses different ways families communicate verbally and non-verbally with
each other, brings to light the issues within family communication, and offers a solution
to miscommunication.
The Interactional Theory is described as having different aspects of
metacommunication. Metacommunication is the process of communicating about
communication. This theory deals specifically with families and close relationships,
therefore discussing what is communicated is important. According to Dr. Albert
Mehrabian, author of silent messages, 55% of all communication is non-verbal. Based on
this statistic using metacommunication to verbalize what is spoken non-verbally is
important.
There are four axioms of communication used in The Interactional Theory, the
first being the truth that we are unable to completely abstain from communication. Even
when we chose not to speak or verbalize our thoughts or emotions those who know us
well are able to interpret our non-verbals, either correctly or incorrectly. The second
axiom discusses the fact that in order to communicate properly one must communicate
verbally and nonverbally. The closer individuals are the more accurate the
communication will be, because they are able to interpret the verbal and nonverbal
messages. The third axiom is about where conflict or issues arise. To each individual the
start of an issue may begin in differing places. The fourth and last axiom to this theory is
that of symmetrical and complementary communication. A symmetrical interchange is an

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interaction based on equal power, thus saying that both parties are trying to hold power in
the relationship. A complementary interchange is an interaction based on accepted
differences of power, saying that one person holds the power and the other follows.
Once the axioms previously explained have been identified in the family
circumstances and relationships, the question can be asked what do we do next? Sadly,
most of the time there is a part of the process which leaves many families in the words of
Griffin trapped with no place to go. This stems from the idea that family systems are
highly resistant to change, and resistance is only heightened when there is addiction
present in the household.
In the situation Em Griffin uses in the text, there is a family which exemplifies all
the aspects of the interactional view. Within this family system there is a husband and
wife, with two children Laurie and Mike. Mike has a drinking problem, and also enjoys
the recreational use of marijuana. In response to Mikes actions, Laurie has joined the
tennis team, and is on the honor roll. She is the hero of the situation and therefore making
up for the detrimental actions of her brother. Their mother, Sonia, is the enabler in the
situation. She allows Mike to make his decisions, covers up for him but continues to let
him grow deeper into his addiction. In contrast to the enabler the mother, Mikes father
Stan is the deny-er. He does not wish to see the problem with his son so he chooses to
deny it exists at all. These roles, and relationships exist in all family dynamics with
varying intensity. If any one person in the ascribed situation made change to their actions
and role it would cause the entire family system to change. Griffin also states that in this
circumstance the more things change the more they stay the same. For example, say
Mike chose to stop drinking and using drugs, this is good but then could cause Laurie to

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quit the tennis team, and drop her GPA because she doesnt have the pressure to overcompensate for Mike anymore.
This situation can seem hopeless; there is not benefit to change because then that
leaves flux for the rest of the family unit to flow through. How will all the changes be
positive and also make the family unit stronger, and change their dynamics? The process
Griffin gave to this step in the situation is reframing, or the process of stepping outside
the situation and re-interpreting what it all means. Some examples Waltzlawick gave in
the book to this might be looking at the relationship between substance and Mike as a
disease. Although Mike has no choice in his ability to be addicted to things he has full
control over his work to get better and heal himself. This outward interpretation can be
done for all aspects of the relationships, individuals and the family unit as a whole.
The process described above requires involves three aspects; intervention,
interpretation and acceptance. There needs to be a catalyst to the change you would like
to make, whether it be a search for help, or a person coming from the outside to change
what is happening on the inside within the family dynamic. Secondly, there needs to be
interpretation. Members of the family need to interpret their relationships with other
members, their actions, and their motivations for such things. There needs to be an
objective view of these things so they can be changed and seen from a non-personal
perspective. Lastly, there needs to be acceptance. When the family system or individual
sees and interprets events, relationships and themselves from an exterior perspective they
need to make a permanent change to see those things how they have just seen them
externally. This involved removing the old frame, or prior way of seeing and choosing

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the new frame or external view. Once this new frame is accepted the old frame must be
rejected.
In conclusion The Interactional Theory discusses how communication and
conflict in families or close communities takes place. It digs into the verbal and nonverbal aspects of communication in intimate relationships. The author of this theory, Paul
Waltzlawick, also mentions how it is difficult for members of close communities to
change effectively. From his extensive qualitative research he offers several practical
solutions family conflict. As with most communication theories, there is room within this
theory for continued research.

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Citation Page
How much of communication is really nonverbal? | Nonverbal. (n.d.). Retrieved October 1, 2014.