Developing a Context Based Framework for Understanding Interpersonal Resilience

ﺑﺴﻢ ﷲ ﺍﻟﺭﺤﻤﻦ ﺍﻟﺭﺣﻴﻢ Developing a context based framework for understanding interpersonal resilience Dilshaad Bundhoo A thesis submitted to University of Gloucestershire in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Countryside and Community Research Institute February 2018 Word Count: 91 818 (Tables, figures and footnotes inclusive) Abstract (402 words) Taking a pragmatic approach, this research has developed a context based framework to understand how people effectively cope with each other in their relationships at times of stress. Contexts of intractable conflicts – such as Israel and the West Bank region - are fertile ground for such inquiry because the sources of tension on people’s relationships are numerous and accentuated, making any resilient cases worthy of attention. Besides, there is an urgent need for expertise to manage interpersonal relationships effectively and efficiently as the reviewed literature has underlined. A conceptual framework was developed to provide a methodologically robust and philosophically coherent basis for the investigation and analyses were grounded in contemporary literature using a trans-disciplinary approach. From there, a three-tiered analytical framework was built to allow understanding of the emergence of resilience in dyadic co-worker relationships in episodes of tension. The analytical lens employed, grounded in the Maussian gift theory, has allowed for a multi-level and multi-dimensional analysis, thus moving from an individualistic to a relational approach, much advocated for and yet sparsely studied in the literature. The field research was conducted over a phased period of three years in three small-scale enterprises. Following an exploratory phase, data was gathered using semi-structured interviews with individuals close to the businesses and their day-to-day operations. Conversations focused on the stories of how participants dealt with circumstances of stress in their work-life relationships with each other. Findings were then fed back to participants through group interviews which allowed a refinement of the primary work, and further deepened the research findings. Analyses of the three cases revealed three complementary drivers of resilient relationships: 1) A motivated willingness to maintain the relationship; 2) the existence of a physical and emotional space for communication; and 3) a space of recognition, underpinned by feelings of being listened to and understood. All three drivers brought a feeling of belonging to the relationship which further maintained and strengthened the bonds. The analytical framework developed, and methodological approach employed, have proved useful in understanding how interpersonal resilience of co- workers is initiated and maintained in the specific contexts. While focusing at the micro-level, the research has also shed a different light on designing research in intractable conflict environments. Instead of focusing on individual traits or socio-economic factors, the contextualised socio-cognitive approach put forward here opens the gateway to more complex thinking and better understanding of human relationships and the drivers nurturing and maintaining them. Author’s declaration I declare that the work in this thesis was carried out in accordance with the regulations of the University of Gloucestershire and is original except where indicated by specific reference in the text. No part of the thesis has been submitted as part of any other academic award. The thesis has not been presented to any other education institution in the United Kingdom or overseas. Any views expressed in the thesis are those of the author and in no way represent those of the University. Signed … …… Date …17/08/2018……………………. Acknowledgements This work is the resultant blossom of those beautiful and nurturing relationships which have accompanied or crossed my path long before the idea of this thesis was born in my mind. My thanks go to all those minds and specifically to: My supervisors, Paul and Kenny, who gave me their trust right from the start and encouraged me to drive the research process under their sharp and understanding guidance; the CCRI team, especially James and Damian, for the most collegiate working atmosphere; The main participants – Genevieve, Maoz, Neta, Ahmad, Sureida, Rawda and Issa - who have welcomed me in their lives and generously accepted to share their stories with me; My family who has patiently accepted being far away from me for all too long periods of time; My mother and father who have always trusted my intuitions but never failed to recall the principle of precaution and respect of others; My dearest friends, Paul, Chris, Malcolm and Carol, who have been family, mentor and confidants along the way, complementing the lonely process of a PhD with their unfailingly kind presence by my side in their own ways; And finally, my guardian angel, Mithqal, who has nurtured my growth with his unconditional love since ever. Developing a context based framework for understanding interpersonal resilience Table of contents Author’s declaration .................................................................................... 5 Acknowledgements ..................................................................................... 6 Table of contents ......................................................................................... 1 Table of Figures ......................................................................................... 1 Table of Tables ........................................................................................... 1 Table of Textboxes ..................................................................................... 2 Part I Conceptual Framework .................................................... 1 Chapter One Introduction ........................................................................ 2 1 Rationale for the study ........................................................................ 2 1.1 Paving the way to developing a context-based analytical framework .. 8 1.2 Aims and Objectives of the study ...................................................... 13 1.3 Structure of the thesis ........................................................................ 16 Chapter Two Literature review ............................................................. 21 2 Introduction ....................................................................................... 21 2.1 Issues around resilience and their implications ............................. 23 Summary and conclusion ............................................................................. 34 2.2 Drivers of interpersonal resilience ................................................. 35 Table 1 Analytical review of the literature ................................................... 39 2.2.1 Considering levels of focus ...................................................... 40 2.2.2 Considering different approaches............................................. 46 2.2.3 Potential socio-cognitive drivers of interpersonal resilience ..... 54 Summary .................................................................................................. 56 Chapter Three Theoretical Framework ................................................... 58 3 Introduction ....................................................................................... 58 3.1 Philosophical framework: Being human is being social ................. 60 3.2. Critical review of theoretical frameworks ....................................... 67 3.2.1 Social capital theories .............................................................. 68 3.2.2 Relational-cultural theory .......................................................... 72 3.2.3. Interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) ........................................... 77 3.2.4. Maussian gift theory (MGT) ...................................................... 81 3.2.5. Collating the theoretical insights discussed ................................ 94 3.3. Devised three-tiered analytical framework ..................................... 99 3.3.1. Context and sociality .............................................................. 100 3.3.2. Social positioning in terms of perception and action............... 106 3.3.3. Pathways of adaptation in interpersonal relationships............ 111 Summary ................................................................................................ 116 Part II Methodological Framework ................................................ 119 Chapter Four Methodological framework .............................................. 120 4 Introduction ..................................................................................... 120 4.1 Macro political context implications.............................................. 122 4.2 Field research design .................................................................. 145 4.3 Phased data gathering ................................................................. 159 4.3.4 Phase 3: Feedback ....................................................................... 223 Summary ................................................................................................ 228 Part III Analysis and Discussion .................................................... 231 Introduction .............................................................................................. 232 Chapter Five Case story analyses I ...................................................

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