Interpersonal Communication and Relationship Dynamics

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key concepts from the lecture notes on nonverbal communication, listening styles, emotional regulation, relationship development models (Knapp's Model), and conflict management.

Personal Space

The invisible area surrounding a person that they consider their own, where different distances communicate different levels of intimacy and comfort.

Territory

Physical spaces or possessions people claim as their own, such as a bedroom, office, or favorite seat.

Paralanguage

Vocal characteristics that accompany speech, including tone, pitch, volume, rate, and emphasis.

Barrier Behavior

Using objects or actions to create distance from others, such as crossing arms, looking at a phone, or placing a bag between people.

Physical Environment

The surroundings in which communication occurs, including lighting, furniture, noise, and décor.

Chronemics

Communication through the use of time, such as punctuality, waiting, and time spent with others.

Haptics

Communication through touch, including handshakes, hugs, pats, and other physical contact.

Intimate Zone (Hall's Interaction Zones)

The communication distance ranging from $0-18\,\text{inches}$.

Personal Zone (Hall's Interaction Zones)

The communication distance ranging from $18\,\text{inches}-4\,\text{feet}$.

Social Zone (Hall's Interaction Zones)

The communication distance ranging from $4-12\,\text{feet}$.

Public Zone (Hall's Interaction Zones)

The communication distance of $12+\,\text{feet}$.

Relational Listening

Listening to strengthen relationships and show support and understanding.

Recreational Listening

Listening for enjoyment, such as music, stories, or entertainment.

Task/Content-Centered Listening

Listening to understand information needed to complete a task or learn content.

Stage-hogging

A conversational behavior where someone constantly redirects attention to themselves.

Ambushing

Listening only to find weaknesses or arguments to attack rather than to understand.

Information Overload

When too much information makes it difficult to process messages effectively.

Personal Concern

A listening barrier where one's own worries distract attention from the speaker.

Analyzing

Evaluating the meaning of a message before responding.

Advising

Offering suggestions or solutions to another person's problem.

Emotional Labor

Managing or displaying emotions to meet social or professional expectations.

Debilitative Emotions

Emotions that interfere with effective functioning and communication.

Facilitative Emotions

Emotions that help individuals function effectively and achieve goals.

Rumination

Repeatedly dwelling on negative thoughts, feelings, or experiences.

Emotional Contagion

The process by which emotions spread from one person to another.

Rational Emotive Approach

A method of changing emotions by identifying and challenging irrational beliefs.

Fallacy of Perfection

The belief that mistakes are unacceptable and one must be perfect.

Fallacy of Should

The belief that people must behave according to one's expectations or rules.

Fallacy of Approval

The belief that self-worth depends on gaining others' approval.

Complementarity

A relationship pattern in which partners fulfill different but compatible roles.

Rewards

Benefits people receive from relationships that increase satisfaction.

Disclosure (Self-Disclosure)

Sharing personal information, thoughts, and feelings with others.

Proximity

Physical closeness that increases opportunities for interaction and relationship formation.

Competency

Possessing desirable skills, abilities, or qualities that attract others.

Initiating (Knapp's Model)

The first stage of coming together involving first impressions and initial contact.

Experimenting (Knapp's Model)

The second stage of coming together involving learning about each other.

Intensifying (Knapp's Model)

The third stage of coming together characterized by a growing emotional connection.

Integrating (Knapp's Model)

The fourth stage of coming together where lives become more interconnected.

Bonding (Knapp's Model)

The fifth stage of coming together involving formal commitment such as marriage or partnership.

Differentiating (Knapp's Model)

The first stage of coming apart where differences are emphasized.

Circumscribing (Knapp's Model)

The second stage of coming apart where communication decreases.

Stagnating (Knapp's Model)

The third stage of coming apart where relationship growth stops.

Avoiding (Knapp's Model)

The fourth stage of coming apart involving deliberate separation.

Terminating (Knapp's Model)

The final stage of coming apart where the relationship ends.

Alternating

Switching between periods of closeness and distance in a relationship.

Metacommunication

Communication about communication itself, or talking about how people communicate.

Sharing Tasks

Dividing responsibilities and work within a relationship.

Acts of Service

Showing affection through helpful actions and support for others.

Types of Friendships

Short term vs. Long term

Task oriented vs. Maintenance oriented

Low disclosure vs. High disclosure

Low obligation vs. High obligation

Infrequent contact vs. Frequent contact

Protective Family Orientation

A family communication style emphasizing obedience, conformity, and parental authority.

Emotional Intimacy

A form of closeness based on the sharing of feelings and emotional support.

Physical Intimacy

A form of closeness expressed through physical touch and contact.

Intellectual Intimacy

A form of closeness based on the exchange of ideas and thoughts.

Perceived Scarce Resources

The belief that there is not enough of something valuable, such as time, money, or attention, for everyone.

Expressed Struggle

A conflict component involving an openly communicated disagreement between parties.

Avoiding (Conflict Style)

A conflict management style characterized by ignoring the conflict.

Accommodating (Conflict Style)

A conflict management style characterized by giving in to others.

Competing (Conflict Style)

A conflict management style involving pursuing one's own goals at the expense of others.

Compromising (Conflict Style)

A conflict management style where each side gives up something to reach an agreement.

Collaborating (Conflict Style)

A conflict management style involving working together for a mutually beneficial solution.

Criticism (Four Horsemen)

A negative communication behavior involving attacking the person rather than the specific behavior.

Contempt (Four Horsemen)

A negative communication behavior involving insults, mockery, or disrespect.

Defensiveness (Four Horsemen)

A negative communication behavior involving refusing responsibility and making excuses.

Stonewalling (Four Horsemen)

A negative communication behavior involving withdrawing from communication.

Acknowledge

Recognizing another person's presence, ideas, or feelings.

Endorsement

Showing support, acceptance, or appreciation of another person.

Complaining

Expressing dissatisfaction about a behavior or situation without attacking the person.

Disconfirming

Communicating that another person's feelings, thoughts, or existence are unimportant.

Ostracism

Excluding or ignoring someone socially.

Phubbing

Snubbing someone by focusing on a phone instead of interacting with them.

Disregard

Showing little concern, respect, or attention toward another person.

Shared Activities Intimacy

Engaging in mutual interests or activities that enhance social bonds and improve communication between individuals.