Axiom 2: Communication = Content + Relationship

In Watzlawick's second axiom, it is important to know what he means by content and relationship.

Content- "The report part of a message; what is said verbally.
Relationship- The command part of the message; how it's said nonverbally"
(Griffin 184).

 
       









In the above chart taken from Em Griffin's 'A First Look at Communication Theory', the content and relationship levels of communication are displayed. As seen at the bottom of the chart, Watzlawick coined the phrase metacommunication, meaning "communication about communication" (Griffin 184). This relational aspect of interaction involves talking about patterns of communication and is important in families that are having trouble. Metacommunication is necessary in the discussion so that it allows the family to rebuild itself and fix its current issues.
     In Pretty Little Liars, Aria's family is having the most trouble. This is seen through Aria's dad, Byron, cheating on her mom, Ella, which causes them to live apart. Mike, Aria's brother, also has behavioral problems and has robbed several homes which angers and confuses both parents. Finally, Aria's romantic relationship with her teacher brings the family conflict to a new level and the family is constantly arguing and quickly falling apart. It is not until the scene shown below that their ways of communicating are discussed. Mike talks to Byron about the way he thinks his father should communicate with Aria. Talking about more effective ways to communicate between each other is what helps Aria's family get back on the right track in solving their many problems.