Stroke Exchange

[Davey Do]

The term "stroke" must be an archaic concept in social interaction, as I could find only one definition by Oxford Reference listing it as "a comforting method of approval" and this was after a rather involved search on the internet.

Initially, I Googled "stroke exchange" and got hits for the stock exchange. Merely entering the word stroke got me all sorts of hits about CVAs. When I put in "psychology: stroke", articles pertaining to the psychological reaction of people who had experienced a CVA popped up.

I felt sort of how Jack Malik, the character from the movie "Yesterday", must have felt when he Googled The Beatles and could only come up with hits on insects.

Could this possibly make me an authority on the subject, since I could find nothing about the societal stroke exchange concept? I hope not, since there are members on allnurses who are approximately the same age as me, as well as others of varying ages, and I want to read thoughts on the subject of....

STROKE EXCHANGE

Since I could find no definition on the internet and no longer have in my possession my 1977 Sociology textbook where I initially learned of the stroke exchange concept, I'm going to have to come up with a definition:

"A stroke exchange is a communication method whereby endorsements of approval are received and sent between parties."

That'll do.

A stroke is positive attention given to another. In order for the exchange to be balanced, an equal number of strokes need to given and received.

For example: "Good morning!" (stroke given) 

"And a 'good morning' to you!" (stroke received and returned and then) "How are you?" (another stroke given)

"I am fine" (stroke received) "And how are you? (and another returned)

"I am doing well, thanks!" (stroke received and an appreciative stroke returned) "Well, gotta go! Have a nice day!"( this could count as two strokes since a rationale for behavior was given)

"Okay! You have a good day too!" (stroke received, rationale for behavior accepted, and a stroke returned)

There were a total of about ten strokes exchanged in this simple, short conversation, each participant giving and receiving about five. It was a balanced exchange and each participant feels good about the interaction, for they were allowed to give and receive approval on equal terms.

But what happens when a stroke exchange is not balanced? What if a stroke is given and not reciprocated?

Discomfort ensues and negative feelings often result. Negative energy, dudes. And dudettes. Negative energy is felt and in order to deal with those bad vibes, we have to get them out! We have to express them! Have a catharsis! VENT, dammit!

Expressing negative energy which is based on emotions is not always an easy thing to do in an appropriate manner.

As has been witnessed on allnurse and the reason for this thread.

Thank you for reading this post in its entirety and, do, have a good day!

I just gave two strokes and expect two in return or I'm going to have to deal with it!

 

[Daisy4RN]

Thank you for such an insightful post, it was very engaging. I hope you have a great day too! 

[amoLucia]

Daisy - 3 points for your stroke exchange quota!

5 minutes ago, Daisy4RN said:

Thank you for such an insightful post, it was very engaging. I hope you have a great day too! 

 

[Davey Do]

11 hours ago, Daisy4RN said:

Thank you for such an insightful post, it was very engaging. I hope you have a great day too! 

Thank you, Daisy.

Stroke exchange can also be utilized in Behavior Modification, the process  where the behavioral patterns are altered through the use of positive or negative reinforcement. More simply put, we can modify another's behavior with positive consequences and negative consequences.

This technique pertains mainly to children, however I have seen it work in many settings with individuals older than children.

Both stroke exchange and behavior modification can be used to manipulate a situation in order to achieve a desired outcome. This comes in handy when dealing with behaviors with everyone from acting out psych patients to pompous administrators.

[JKL33]

https://books.Google.com/books?id=oFFdDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA105&lpg=PA105&dq=social+exchange+theory+social+communication+exchanging+strokes&source=bl&ots=HJA95YaDXD&sig=ACfU3U2R1Yaqst9dmnCru-x9DWUsis8Pfw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj_8PXXqajuAhWPZM0KHaRvA6s4ChDoATANegQIERAC#v=onepage&q=social exchange theory social communication exchanging strokes&f=false

 

[Davey Do]

"The fundamental unit of social interaction is the 'stroke' or unit of recognition."

Mastering Counselling Theory , Ray Colledge

I am grateful for this find, JKL! Thanks so much!

 

[JKL33]

I only posted to help validate your memories.

You were right on with what you remembered!

 

[Davey Do]

22 minutes ago, JKL33 said:

You were right on with what you remembered!

Thanks for the validation, JKL.

Memory can be a tricky thing. However, once we learn a concept, agree with its premise, institutionalize it within our belief system, and practise its principles on a regular basis, it's usually set in stone within our minds.

We use the techniques that have proven to work for us, whether subjectively interpreted as good or bad.

I learned the concepts of stroke exchange and behavior modification as an adolescent. My high school sweetie's mother was really into human behavior and that's where I got my first insights and realizations. One book I recall her reading was Thomas Anthony Harris' I'm Okay, You're Okay.

I went on to take several classes in community college in psychology, sociology, marriage & family etc. I began implementing that which was learned as a young adult working in a residential setting with "troubled teenage boys". My first hospital nursing job was as an LPN in psych and, as you see from my "specializes in", I have over 25 years working behavioral health.