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Human Relations, Vol. 47, No. 5, 511-529 (1994)
DOI: 10.1177/001872679404700503

The Interpersonal Octagon: An Alternative to the Interpersonal Circle

John Birtchnell

Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF.

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.

Key Words: interpersonal, relating: relatedness • interrelating • competence • personality • emotion


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