The Stone Center group’s relational-cultural theory challenges traditional Western conceptions of self. Previous theories suggested that human beings primarily seek self-gratification and...

The Stone Center group’s relational-cultural theory challenges traditional Western conceptions of self. Previous theories suggested that human beings primarily seek self-gratification and selfsufficiency. The Stone Center group posits that human beings primarily seek relationships with others. Relational-cultural theory inverts traditional paradigms that claim “health” is predicated on selfsufficiency and “ill health” on dependency. According to RCT, “health” reflects relational competence, and “ill health” results from disconnection from others. Test this theory for yourself. When do you feel most healthy and secure—when you and significant others are involved in mutually healthy relationships or when you are acting independently? Recall the time when you felt most depressed and the time you felt most happy. What was your relational context at each time?