Unmitigated Communion

Conceptualizing UC

The term UC refers to communion that is not mitigated by an appropriate level of agency. David Bakan originally identified agency and communion as two fundamental modalities of existence. Agency refers to a focus on self and separation, whereas communion refers to a focus on others and connection. Although Bakan identified agency as the male principle of existence and communion as the female principle, he also believed that healthy functioning requires some level of balance between the two constructs in all individuals. UC is one form of imbalance, described by Vicki Helgeson as a pattern of overinvolvement with others and self-neglect in relationships. Consistent with Bakan's ideas and traditional gender role stereotypes, women generally report higher levels of UC than men. It has also been found that self-reports of UC are significantly correlated with levels reported by peers, suggesting that UC is observable to others. In one study, cardiac patients who had spouses with high levels of UC reported that their spouse engaged in overprotective behavior, such as constantly reminding them about healthy behaviors. Another study found that persons scoring high on UC reported engaging in submissive and self-effacing behavior such as continually apologizing for a minor mistake, tolerating verbal abuse, agreeing that they were wrong even though they were not, and accepting insults. Such behavior would be clearly visible to others.

UC and Well-Being

Also consistent with Bakan's ideas, a growing number of studies have shown that this form of imbalance does indeed relate to increased physical and psychological distress. For example, one recent series of studies found that UC was associated with a wide range of adjustment-related outcomes, including higher levels of depressive symptoms, lower levels of subjective well-being, lower levels of psychosocial adjustment, and higher levels of daily depressed mood. Importantly, the relation between UC and well-being has been found using cross-sectional and longitudinal designs and using diverse methods of assessing well-being.

Relational Implications of UC

The link between UC and psychological distress can perhaps best be understood by considering its role in relationships. People with high levels of UC appear to be more negatively emotionally affected by the problems of others. Studies have shown that persons with high levels of UC also experience more psychological distress following interpersonal conflict, interpersonal stress, and relationship dissolution. Women with high levels of UC have been found to experience more depressive symptoms when their husbands expressed dissatisfaction with the marriage. These findings are consistent with what is known about the relational underpinnings of UC. People with high levels of UC lack a healthy sense of self, have more anxious attachment styles, and tend to formulate their opinion of themselves largely based on the perceived reactions of others. This dependence on [Page 1663]positive feedback from others gives tremendous power to relationship partners so that when conflicts or difficulties arise, people with high levels of UC are affected more strongly. Thus, people with high levels of UC may be especially likely to experience distress in the context of relationship stress or loss.

...