Exam #2 Study Guide (1)

Definition of Communication

The interactive process involving the exchange of symbols (verbal and nonverbal) to convey messages.

Verbal Communication

Involves spoken words to share thoughts or feelings.

Nonverbal Communication

Includes body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice; often conveys more relational information than verbal communication.

Active Listening

Fully focusing on the speaker’s message without preparing a response or being distracted; involves demonstrating understanding and encouraging further sharing.

Definition of Conflict

Arises from disagreements in motives, goals, or behaviors and is a natural part of relationships.

Pseudoconflict

Falsely perceiving the other as interfering with our goals or having incomparable goals.

Content Conflict

A factual disagreement that can often be resolved with information.

Value Conflict

Rooted in differing beliefs or values, making compromise more challenging.

Ego Conflict

Focuses on maintaining self-image or 'winning' the argument rather than solving the issue.

Basic Conflict

Conflicts that threaten the relationship's stability.

Non-Basic Conflict

Conflicts that typically do not impact relationship satisfaction long-term.

Satir’s Miscommunication Styles

Four styles (Computing, Blaming, Placating, Distracting) people use under stress.

Gottman’s Four Horsemen

Negative communication styles predicting relationship dissatisfaction: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling.

Magic Ratio

A principle stating that a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions is needed to maintain a happy relationship.

I Messages

'I' messages help minimize blame by focusing on the speaker's feelings and needs.

Definition of Marriage

A legally and socially recognized union with certain rights and responsibilities for partners.

Declining Marriage Rates

Fewer people are choosing to marry due to changing cultural norms around relationships.

Delayed Marriage

The average age at marriage has increased as individuals pursue education and career goals first.

Homogamous Marriage

Involves partners who share similar social characteristics.

Heterogamous Marriage

Involves partners from different backgrounds.

Marital Decline Perspective

Argues that marriage is threatened by a focus on personal happiness over long-term commitment.

Marital Resilience Perspective

Argues that marriage faces challenges similar to those of the past but with evolving support needs.

Deinstitutionalization of Marriage

A shift reflecting the relaxation of traditional norms around cohabitation, non-marital childrearing, and divorce.

Types of Marriage Models

Includes Institutional, Companionate, and Individualized Marriage.

Sound Relationship House

Built on trust and commitment, it includes knowing each other deeply and managing conflict constructively.

Fertility Rates

Declines attributed to economic pressures, shifting gender roles, and delayed childbearing.

Pronatalism

Social pressures encouraging individuals to have children as a primary life goal.

Infertility

The inability to conceive after 12 months of trying.

Types of Adoption

Includes open adoption (contact with birth family) and closed adoption (no contact or identifying information).

Transition to Parenthood

Can be stressful due to new roles, lack of preparation, and financial burdens.

Parent Role and Trends

Emphasizes nurturing and socializing children within a support network.

Mothering

Often idealized and involves significant emotional labor.

Fathering

Expectations around father involvement have evolved, linking it to positive child developmental outcomes.

Parenting Styles

Includes Authoritative, Authoritarian, Permissive, and Neglectful styles.

Positive Parenting Goals

Encourage self-control, problem-solving, and respect for others through positive reinforcement.

Family Work

Encompasses household tasks and emotional labor, often unpaid.

Work-Family Conflict

Arises when the demands of work and family roles clash, creating role overload.

Second Shift

Describes additional unpaid household and childcare labor faced by working parents.