The cycle of relationships

Tubman Family Alliance has adopted an ecological model of relationships that includes a model for relationships that include violence. The ecological model along with the dynamics of family violence serve to explain and help those who are experiencing violence in their relationships. The ecological model is based on concepts historically explained in the cycle of violence.

The Differentiation™ model was developed by Dr. David M. Schnarch of the Marriage and Family Health Center in Evergreen, Colorado.  Dr. James Maddock and Dr. Noel Larson of the University of Minnesota have been pioneers in the study Ecological Violence and Dynamics in Sexuality and Relationships. It is a map of how all types of relationships can develop and grow.

Dr. Schnarch's research found the following four principles to be key in developing healthy relationships:

• Maintaining a clear sense of yourself while being close someone else ™
• Tolerating pain for growth ™
• Not reacting to your partner's anxiety™
• Soothing your own hurts™

Learn more about relationship stages and read excerpts from articles about the relationship cycle.

™ David M. Schnarch, Marriage and Family Health Center.