Having dwelled quite a while on the dimensions of internal and external locus of control in the self that we present to the world (Quad One), I want to turn in this essay toward an even deeper analysis and specifically toward the dynamics of interpersonal relationships by examining the fundamental needs that underlie and drive these relationships. I will also explore two of the three different perspectives (schools of thought) regarding interpersonal relationships: American and British. I will turn to the third (continental) perspective in the next essay..
Interpersonal Needs
Specifically, I will examine the three fundamental interpersonal needs (inclusion, control and openness) that were identified by Will Schutz—as these needs are manifest in and help to determine the nature of Quadrant One content and action.
Internal and External Panes
The central issue in Quad One concerns the extent to which I disclose (Q1: Internal) or manifest (Q1: External) my interpersonal needs. To what extent do I let other people know about or recognize my needs and take steps to meet these needs? Schutz writes about this as a tension between expressed and wanted needs. I prefer to identify these as proactive and reactive stances. To the extent that we are proactive (Quad 1-I), we regulate the expression of our need for inclusion, control and openness. To the extent that we are reactive (Q1: External), we hope that others will identify and respond to these needs. We look for other people who are highly likely to meet these needs for us (e.g. a dominating, forceful person who is likely to meet our needs for high levels of control in an interpersonal setting).
