The Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships

Bergquist: Push and Pull

This first in a series of five essays concerns the fundamental push and pull to be found in our orientation toward interpersonal relations. This push and pull is captured in part by Carl Jung’s two personality types [Extraversion and Introversion]. Insights for professional coaches can be gained by exploring this push and pull, and by noting the distinction between transactional and “autotelic” relationships.

Bergquist: Loneliness—Sociological Perspective

Professional coaches often have to address the issue of loneliness in the life of their clients. The role of social systems is considered in this essay. How do the institutions within which we operate contribute to our feelings of “being alone in a crowd”?

Bergquist: Loneliness—Psychological and Existential Perspective

This third essay examines loneliness from a psychological and existential perspective. “We are ‘wired’ to be with other people and are biologically “punished” for choosing otherwise. Yet not all people suffer from being alone. The condition of loneliness might not apply to them. Why is this the case?”

Bergquist: Social Construction

We construct social realities within our relationships with other people. It is critical for professional coaches to understand and appreciate this important constructive act.

Bergquist: Coherence

What is the “glue” that holds us together in community and in relationship to one another given the forces in our society that seem to be pulling us apart. Societal coherence might provide this glue and is a social dynamic that professional coaches need to understand and appreciate.