Interpersonal Relationships and Communication Principles

These flashcards cover key concepts related to interpersonal relationships and communication principles.

Interpersonal Relationship

A social connection or emotional bond between two or more individuals in personal, professional, or social settings.

Self-disclosure

The process of sharing thoughts and feelings that are unknown to the other person.

Social Penetration Model (SPM)

A psychological theory explaining how interpersonal relationships develop through gradual self-disclosure, with personality layers compared to an onion.

Breadth

The range of topics individuals discuss in a relationship according to the Social Penetration Model.

Depth

The level of personal significance and emotional risk involved in disclosure according to the Social Penetration Model.

Johari Window

A model consisting of four panes that illustrates the relationship between self-disclosure and feedback in interpersonal relationships.

Open Pane

The pane in the Johari Window that represents information about you that both you and your partner know.

Secret Pane

The pane in the Johari Window that contains information you know about yourself but your partner does not yet know.

Blind Pane

The pane in the Johari Window that holds information your partner knows about you that you are not aware of.

Unknown Pane

The pane in the Johari Window that contains information that neither you nor your partner knows about you.

Coming Together

The stage in relationship development characterized by increasing intimacy and self-disclosure.

De-Penetration Stage

The stage in relationship decline where self-disclosure decreases and emotional withdrawal occurs.

Affective Stage

The stage in relationship development where close friendships and romantic connections form, marked by deeper emotional sharing.

Stable Stage

The deepest level of intimacy in which communication is open, honest, and comfortable, with mutual understanding.

Circumscribing

The stage in relationship decline characterized by limited communication and avoidance of deeper issues.

Terminating

The final stage of a relationship where both parties decide to end it.