Main description:
Using a relational approach to the study of interpersonal communication, this text provides comprehensive coverage of popular theories and concepts in interpersonal communication. The research base of the book draws heavily from communication, but also emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the study of personal relationships.
The book focuses on communication within close relationships and is organized using a developmental approach: The early chapters focus on processes that shape initial interaction and relational escalation (with the caveat that some of these processese.g., self disclosure, uncertaintyalso play important roles in established relationships); The middle chapters examine issues related to maintaining a loving, fair, and intimate relationship; The latter chapters focus on challenges relational partners face, including coping with privacy needs, relational transgressions, and conflict. The last chapter is on relationship endings.
The book includes research from various disciplines, such as social psychology and family studies, but the primary focus is communication research.
Table of contents:
1. Conceptualizing Relational Communication: Definitions, Principles, and Relational Messages
The Field of Personal Relationships: A Brief History
Relationships
Principles of Interpersonal Communication
Principles of Relational Communication
Relational Messages
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
2. Communicating Identity: The Social Self
The Development and Expansion of Identities
Identity, Perceptions, and Social Interaction
Principles of Identity Management
Communicating Our Identities to Others
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
3. Drawing People Together: Forces of Social Attraction
Defining Attraction
A Framework for Understanding Attraction
Personal Variables Related to Attraction
Other People's Qualities
Interpersonal Chemistry Between People
Environmental Features Related to Attraction
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
4. Making Sense of Our World: Coping with Uncertainty and Expectancy Violations
Defining Uncertainty
Uncertainty Reduction in Initial Encounters
Predicted Outcomes in Initial Encounters
Uncertainty in Established Relationships
Factors Affecting Motivation to Seek Information
Personality Differences
Expectancy Violations
Application and Summary
Discussion Questions
5. Getting Closer: Initiating and Intensifying Relationships
Self-Disclosure
Stage Theories of Relationship Development
The Turning Point Approach
First Dates
Cohabitation
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
6. Making a Love Connection: Styles of Love and Attachment
Love, Liking, and Unrequited Love
Types of Love
Attachment Theory
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
7. Communicating Sexually: The Closest Physical Encounter
Sex in Relationships
Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors
Communication Patterns
Sexual Coercion and Harassment
Sexual Satisfaction: Misconceptions and Realities
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
8. Communicating Closeness: Intimacy, Affection, and Social Support
Understanding Intimacy
The Importance of Intimacy and Affection
Nonverbal Intimacy
Verbal Intimacy
Comfort and Social Support
Theories and Models of Intimate Interaction
Sex Differences in Intimacy and Affection
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
9. Staying Close: Maintaining Intimate Relationships
Defining Relational Maintenance
Behaviors Used to Maintain Relationships
Maintenance Behavior in Various Types of Relationships
Barriers to Relational Dissolution
The Dialectical Perspective
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
10. Getting a Fair Deal: Interdependence and Equity
Interdependence Theory
The Investment Model
Equity Theory
Evolutionary Theories of Social Exchange
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
11. Playing with Power: Dominance and Influence in Relationships
Defining Power and Related Terms
Power Principles
Interpersonal Influence Goals
Verbal Power Ploys
Nonverbal Positions of Power
Power and Influence in Families
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
12. Getting Too Close for Comfort: Privacy and Secrets in Relationships
Communication Privacy Management Theory
Negotiating Privacy Boundaries in Relationships
Obsessive Relational Intrusion
Topic Avoidance
Secrets
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
13. Hurting the Ones We Love: Relational Transgressions
Hurt Feelings in Relationships
Infidelity
Jealousy
Deception
Hurtful Messages
The Aftermath of Hurtful Events
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
14. Coping with Conflict: When Relational Partners Disagree
Conflict in Relationships
Conflict Styles
Patterns of Conflict Interaction
Explanations for Conflict Patterns
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
15. Ending Relationships: Disengagement and Termination
Why Relationships End
Models of the Disengagement Process
Fifteen Ways to Leave Your Partner
Outcomes: The Results of Relationship Endings
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
Using a relational approach to the study of interpersonal communication, this text provides comprehensive coverage of popular theories and concepts in interpersonal communication. The research base of the book draws heavily from communication, but also emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the study of personal relationships.
The book focuses on communication within close relationships and is organized using a developmental approach: The early chapters focus on processes that shape initial interaction and relational escalation (with the caveat that some of these processese.g., self disclosure, uncertaintyalso play important roles in established relationships); The middle chapters examine issues related to maintaining a loving, fair, and intimate relationship; The latter chapters focus on challenges relational partners face, including coping with privacy needs, relational transgressions, and conflict. The last chapter is on relationship endings.
The book includes research from various disciplines, such as social psychology and family studies, but the primary focus is communication research.
Table of contents:
1. Conceptualizing Relational Communication: Definitions, Principles, and Relational Messages
The Field of Personal Relationships: A Brief History
Relationships
Principles of Interpersonal Communication
Principles of Relational Communication
Relational Messages
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
2. Communicating Identity: The Social Self
The Development and Expansion of Identities
Identity, Perceptions, and Social Interaction
Principles of Identity Management
Communicating Our Identities to Others
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
3. Drawing People Together: Forces of Social Attraction
Defining Attraction
A Framework for Understanding Attraction
Personal Variables Related to Attraction
Other People's Qualities
Interpersonal Chemistry Between People
Environmental Features Related to Attraction
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
4. Making Sense of Our World: Coping with Uncertainty and Expectancy Violations
Defining Uncertainty
Uncertainty Reduction in Initial Encounters
Predicted Outcomes in Initial Encounters
Uncertainty in Established Relationships
Factors Affecting Motivation to Seek Information
Personality Differences
Expectancy Violations
Application and Summary
Discussion Questions
5. Getting Closer: Initiating and Intensifying Relationships
Self-Disclosure
Stage Theories of Relationship Development
The Turning Point Approach
First Dates
Cohabitation
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
6. Making a Love Connection: Styles of Love and Attachment
Love, Liking, and Unrequited Love
Types of Love
Attachment Theory
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
7. Communicating Sexually: The Closest Physical Encounter
Sex in Relationships
Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors
Communication Patterns
Sexual Coercion and Harassment
Sexual Satisfaction: Misconceptions and Realities
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
8. Communicating Closeness: Intimacy, Affection, and Social Support
Understanding Intimacy
The Importance of Intimacy and Affection
Nonverbal Intimacy
Verbal Intimacy
Comfort and Social Support
Theories and Models of Intimate Interaction
Sex Differences in Intimacy and Affection
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
9. Staying Close: Maintaining Intimate Relationships
Defining Relational Maintenance
Behaviors Used to Maintain Relationships
Maintenance Behavior in Various Types of Relationships
Barriers to Relational Dissolution
The Dialectical Perspective
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
10. Getting a Fair Deal: Interdependence and Equity
Interdependence Theory
The Investment Model
Equity Theory
Evolutionary Theories of Social Exchange
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
11. Playing with Power: Dominance and Influence in Relationships
Defining Power and Related Terms
Power Principles
Interpersonal Influence Goals
Verbal Power Ploys
Nonverbal Positions of Power
Power and Influence in Families
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
12. Getting Too Close for Comfort: Privacy and Secrets in Relationships
Communication Privacy Management Theory
Negotiating Privacy Boundaries in Relationships
Obsessive Relational Intrusion
Topic Avoidance
Secrets
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
13. Hurting the Ones We Love: Relational Transgressions
Hurt Feelings in Relationships
Infidelity
Jealousy
Deception
Hurtful Messages
The Aftermath of Hurtful Events
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
14. Coping with Conflict: When Relational Partners Disagree
Conflict in Relationships
Conflict Styles
Patterns of Conflict Interaction
Explanations for Conflict Patterns
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions
15. Ending Relationships: Disengagement and Termination
Why Relationships End
Models of the Disengagement Process
Fifteen Ways to Leave Your Partner
Outcomes: The Results of Relationship Endings
Summary and Application
Discussion Questions