Fully Functional Relational Competence

Abstract

It is doubtful whether fully functional competence can possibly exist in reality. There may be many approximations, but as discussed in many chapters in this volume, full functionality can vary in its degrees and types of relational competence. The requirement of redundancy (Chap. 1) and the abilities to love and to control self, presence, differentiation, style, interactions, selfulness, priorities, and intimacy are many ways among a myriad to assess fully functional competence. One way to assess among at least three levels of competence relies on how one functions in at least three different settings; (1) home, (2) work, and (3) leisure-time activities (Chap. 5, Model³). As discussed in Chaps. 11 and 12 (Model¹⁰ and Model¹¹), a superior level of competence is present when one functions as an excellent spouse, parent or worker or excellently in leisure-type activities, as can be found in individuals who are able to balance tasks and demands from the three settings, by assuming leaderships roles and setting standards of excellence with their families and coworkers and in their leisure-time activities, including volunteering. A moderate level of competence can be found in individuals who may perform well in one or more settings without, however, assuming positions of leadership outside the home. An adequate level of competence can be found in individuals who perform well in one setting but do not perform in the other two settings.