Comm 108: Chapter 8, Frends and family communication

Family

A group of people who share affection, resources, and identity, and consider themselves a family.

Complementary (Friendship)

Relationships where differences strengthen the bond because each person fulfills the other's needs.

Example: introvert + extrovert friendship

Social Exchange Theory

The propensity to evaluate relationships based on rewards vs. costs. People maintain relationships when the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

Dunbar’s Number

The idea that people can maintain about 150 meaningful relationships at one time.

Intergroup Contact Hypothesis

The idea that communication with diverse groups reduces prejudice and increases understanding.

Conversation Orientation

Families that encourage open discussion and sharing of ideas.

Conformity Orientation

Families that emphasize agreement, obedience, and shared beliefs.

Authoritarian

Strict, controlling parenting style
"Do it because I said so"

Authoritative

Firm but supportive parenting style
Encourages discussion and independence (Most effective parenting style)

Permissive

Few rules and high freedom for children

Supportive Siblings

Emotionally close, communicate frequently, accessible to each other.

Longing Siblings

Care about each other but wish they were closer.

Competitive Siblings

View each other as rivals, compete for attention or success.

Apathetic Siblings

Indifferent toward each other, little communication.

Hostile Siblings

Conflict-driven relationship with resentment or anger.

Friendship Equality

Friends typically treat each other as equals.

Proximity

The propensity to become friends with people nearby or frequently encountered.

Self-Disclosure in Friendship

Friendships grow when people share personal information.

Similarity Principle

People tend to become friends with those similar to themselves.