Complementary relationships

Complementary relationships
See also
Tactile communication Common good Letter of advice Path goal theory Refusal letter Overt discrimination Corporate policy Urban tourism Stereotypes in advertising

Complementary relationship – term created in the early 1960’ by scientists from the Mental Research Institute in Californian Palo Alto. This psychological issue refers to the social types of relationships and interactions or benefits related to it for each side in the relationship (Sicard, 2012, p.128). This theory refers to contact, interaction – initiation of interaction and feedback (Littlejohn, Foss, 2008, p. 1998). It pertains mainly to family, friendship and marriage but it can be also applied in other areas, like for example work or business.

Complementary relationship is a type of relationship of opposite characters, in which one of the members initiates interaction in relation and the second one prefers to conform instead of starting an initiation (Garland, 1999, p. 204). When the stronger character supports the other side (member) it has a positive influence and benefits for both sides. It is complementary because sides are supporting and replacing each other because they are specialists in different areas. This kind of relationship is healthy when both sides have benefits and their involvement is on an approximate level and it is analogous unhealthy when the engagement of one side is lesser than involvement of the other side.

Research

Mental Research Institute provided researches in families to discover relations and dependencies between family members according to life aspects like work, cooperation and related. They observed that there are two kinds of relationships/loops inside the family (Littlejohn, Foss, 2008, p. 1998):

• Complementary relationship
• Symmetrical relationship

Symmetrical relationship

Symmetrical relationship - this is the type of relationship between two similar characters, in which both sides are nearly strong personalities. It is healthy when they cooperate. Similarity often causes a competition, but when both members are to engage in the competition it breaks the cooperation down (Fujishin, 2007, p.45).

Examples of Complementary relationships

• Friendship: Friends complement each other by offering different perspectives, experiences and ideas. They also provide emotional support and understanding when needed, and are a source of fun and joy.
• Marriage: Couples complement each other by providing emotional and practical support. This includes communication, sharing of responsibilities, and taking care of each other’s needs.
• Family: Family members complement each other by providing a secure and nurturing environment. They offer emotional, physical and financial support, and provide love and stability.
• Business: Business partners complement each other by sharing skills, resources and knowledge. They also provide feedback and guidance, and help to ensure the success of the business.

Advantages of Complementary relationships

Complementary relationships bring many advantages to both sides involved. These include:

• Increased self-confidence: People involved in a complementary relationship often feel more secure, confident and valued. This helps them to be more productive and to reach their goals more easily. Additionally, the sense of security and confidence can help them to overcome difficult moments in life.
• Improved communication: Complementary relationships can help to improve communication between two people. This can lead to better understanding and more meaningful conversations. This can help to strengthen the relationship, as well as to build trust and respect between the two sides.
• Increased support: Complementary relationships can provide support to both sides. This can include emotional, practical, and financial support. This can help to make the relationship stronger and can help both sides to achieve their goals.
• Increased understanding: Complementary relationships can help to increase understanding between two people. This can help both sides to understand each other better, which can lead to more meaningful conversations and a stronger relationship.
• Increased happiness: Complementary relationships can lead to increased happiness for both sides. This can help to create a more positive and fulfilling environment, which can help to improve overall wellbeing.

Limitations of Complementary relationships

• Limited Capacity to Express Emotion – Complementary relationships can be limited in the capacity to express emotions due to the lack of trust and understanding between the two parties. This can lead to a lack of genuine communication, which can prevent them from developing a deep and meaningful connection.
• Difficulty Building Intimacy – Without a strong emotional connection, it can be difficult for the two parties to build intimacy. The lack of understanding and trust can create an environment where the two parties feel they have to hide their true feelings and thoughts. Without an emotional bond, it’s hard to build a strong connection.
• Difficult to Maintain over Time – Complementary relationships can be difficult to maintain over time. Without the emotional connection, it can become difficult to nourish the relationship and build a strong bond. Without the trust, understanding and mutual respect, the relationship can become strained and eventually crumble.
• Tendency to Develop Negative Feelings – Without a strong emotional bond, it can be easy for the two parties to become resentful and develop negative feelings towards one another. This is due to the lack of trust and understanding, which can lead to feelings of betrayal and anger.

Other approaches related to Complementary relationships

• Reciprocal relationships – this approach is based on mutuality and understanding of each other's needs and interests. It is based on the idea that both sides in the relationship need to feel supported by each other in order to be able to flourish and grow.
• Symbiotic relationships – this approach suggests that the individuals in the relationship are dependent on each other for their survival and growth. It implies that both sides in the relationship have something to gain from the relationship, but also something to lose if the relationship fails.
• Interdependent relationships – this approach emphasizes the importance of shared interests, goals and values in a relationship. It suggests that both sides in the relationship need to work together to achieve their desired outcomes and that each side contributes something to the relationship.
• Collaborative relationships – this approach suggests that the individuals in the relationship need to work together to achieve a common goal. It implies that both sides are committed to working together and that their individual contributions are essential for the success of the relationship.

In summary, complementary relationships are complex psychological issues that involve the interaction of different individuals and their needs, interests and values. Other approaches related to complementary relationships include reciprocal relationships, symbiotic relationships, interdependent relationships and collaborative relationships. Each of these approaches emphasizes the importance of mutuality, understanding and collaboration in order to achieve desired outcomes.

References

• Fujishin R. (2007). Creating Effective Groups: The Art of Small Group Communication, Rowman & Littlefield.
• Garland D.R. (1999). Family ministry. A comprehensive guide, IVP Academic, Illinois.
• Laursen B., Hartup W.W. (2002). The Origins of Reciprocity and Social Exchange in Friendships, New directions for child and adolescent development, no. 95, Spring 2002
• Littlejohn S.W., Foss K.A. (2008). Theories of human communication, Cengage Learning, ninth edition.
• Main F., Oliver R. (Sep 1, 1988) Complementary, Symmetrical, and Parallel Personality Priorities as Indicators of Marital Adjustment, Individual Psychology, vol. 44/3 : 324
• Sicard M. (2012). Brand Revolution: Rethinking Brand Identity, Springer
• Tracey T.J. (1985). Topic Following/Not Following as a Measure of Complementary/Symmetrical Communication, Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Assocation (Los Angeles, CA, August 23-27, 1985)

Author: Maciej Pietruszka