Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication – Exam Prep

Flashcards covering major theories and concepts from the Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication study guide.

What does the 'dark side' of interpersonal relationships refer to?

Destructive, dysfunctional, undesirable, or misunderstood behaviors such as stalking, infidelity, obsession, neglect, and conflict.

Why is some degree of darkness inevitable in relationships?

Partners bring unique personalities, values, and experiences, face external stressors, and naturally encounter conflict, producing both bright and dark elements.

In the context of negative events, what is "attributional search"?

The tendency to ask oneself, "Why would they do this?" and look for causes behind a partner’s hurtful behavior.

Give three examples of pro-social maintenance behaviors.

Positivity, openness, and assurance.

How does loss aversion relate to romantic relationships?

Losing love feels worse than never having experienced it, making breakups especially painful.

List two reasons hurt happens more easily in close relationships.

1) Greater intimacy increases vulnerability; 2) Positive illusions and novelty fade over time.

Define "uncertainty" in relationships.

A lack of clarity caused by ambiguous, complex, or missing information about oneself, one’s partner, or the relationship.

What are the three primary types of relationship uncertainty?

Self-uncertainty, partner uncertainty, and relationship uncertainty.

Differentiate global uncertainty from episodic uncertainty.

Global uncertainty concerns the entire relationship; episodic uncertainty is tied to specific events or changes (e.g., job relocation, infidelity).

Name and briefly describe four information-seeking strategies for coping with uncertainty.

Active (ask others), passive (observe), interactive (ask partner directly), and extractive (search online).

What is information avoidance and why might someone use it?

Deliberately steering clear of threatening information—sometimes "ignorance is bliss."

List two common cognitive outcomes of heightened relationship uncertainty.

Increased jealousy and anxiety (also judgment and hesitation).

How do people often manage global vs. episodic uncertainty communicatively?

Global: avoidance or topical avoidance; Episodic: direct communication or avoidance depending on emotion.

What is a potential bright side of uncertainty?

It can foster growth, excitement, reaffirmation, and novelty in the relationship.

According to attachment theory, what shapes later relationship behavior?

Early emotional bonds with caregivers.

Describe the secure attachment style.

Positive view of self and others; comfortable with intimacy and open communication.

Describe the preoccupied attachment style.

Negative self-view, positive other-view; clingy, dependent, and dramatic.

Describe the fearful attachment style.

Negative views of both self and others; avoids intimacy and is socially withdrawn.

Describe the dismissive attachment style.

Positive self-view, negative other-view; self-reliant, independent, emotionally distant.

Give two factors that can cause someone’s attachment style to change.

Major life events (e.g., divorce) and different relational contexts (e.g., secure with friends but dismissive romantically).

What are the Big Five personality traits?

Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.

How does high vs. low openness typically present?

High: imaginative and novelty-seeking; Low: practical and stability-seeking.

Contrast trait theory with the social-cognitive perspective.

Trait theory views personality as stable traits predicting average behavior; social-cognitive approach sees personality as an interaction of traits and social context (reciprocal determinism).

Explain internal vs. external locus of control.

Internal: belief that one controls one’s own fate; External: belief that outside forces largely determine outcomes.

What is the humanistic definition of self-concept?

The perceived difference between one’s ideal self and actual self, emphasizing growth, self-actualization, and authenticity.