Dialogically based approaches to "with" and "about" the other: Thoughts on Carl Rogers' dilemma. (October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bell, Nancy J.
• Is Part Of: Theory & psychology. Volume 24:Number 5(2014:Oct.)
• Page Start: 688
• Page End: 708
• Publication Date: 2014-10
• Subjects: abstract and particular -- dualities -- innovation -- interpretive inquiry -- narrative -- relational dialogism -- story analyst -- storyteller -- theory; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.1
• DOI: 10.1177/0959354314547669
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-3543

Abstract

Over 50 years ago, Carl Rogers wrote of his personal struggles with two conflicting self-voices, one striving to be empathically "with" another person, and the other seeking abstract, theoretical insights "about" the person. In more recent times, these two voices have come to represent seemingly entrenched, opposing camps within the domain of interpretive inquiry, an impasse which some suggest can only be resolved within a dialogical framework. However, there are important differences between dialogical perspectives in their potential for serving as such a framework. In this article, I take up the question of why a relational dialogism is required to organize and coordinate "with and about the other" and associated dualities. During the course of this discussion, I address meanings that reinforce the division and how these might be re-envisioned and then offer examples of interpretive research that is based in a relational dialogism with an emphasis on theoretical innovation.