The Interpersonal Octagon: An Alternative to the Interpersonal Circle

Abstract

If humans have evolved from earlier animals, there must be a common core of relating which runs from the simplest to the most complex, which is capable of multiple adaptations and variations. This is represented by the interpersonal octagon, constructed around the two nodal points of a dimension concerned with regulating distance, the two nodal points of a dimension concerned with relative power, and four intermediate points. Each point is associated with a relating objective called a state of relatedness. This is attained or maintained either by relating or being related to. People acquire relating competencies and establish sources and stores of each state. Emotional responses are linked with the successful attainment, danger of losing, or actual loss of states. Maladaptive forms of relating may be egocentric, insecure, or avoidant. Interrelating is the process by which two people reconcile their respective relating objectives.

Relating therapy with individuals, couples and families

“…The ideas emerging then have continued to emerge, and this paper will show how far they have taken me. The ideas crystallized into a theory (Birtchnell, 1990(Birtchnell, , 1994(Birtchnell, , 1996 called 'relating theory'. This gave rise to a form of therapy called 'relating therapy' (Birtchnell, 1999), and a set of measures which may be used in conjunction with that therapy.…”

Relating therapy for people who hear voices: perspectives from clients, family members, referrers and therapists

“…Birtchnell's octagon (a diagrammatic representation of relating styles; Birtchnell, 1994) to record both positive and negative relating, so was important in stimulating discussion about past experiences of positive relating (T3). The genogram was also used to explore when and how clients had achieved more positive relating within other relationships (T3).…”

Interrelating within the families of young psychotherapy outpatients

“…The eight-position circle of interpersonal theory resembles the octagon of relating theory. There are however important differences between the two theories which have been fully considered elsewhere (Birtchnell, 1994(Birtchnell, , 1996(Birtchnell, , 2002bBirtchnell & Evans, 2004;Birtchnell & Shine, 2000;Birtchnell et al, 2006). Where interpersonal theory carries the implication that adaptive interpersonal behaviour is on a continuum with maladaptive interpersonal behaviour, relating theory considers positive and negative relating to be qualitatively different, which is why, in Figure 1, they occupy separate octagons.…”