Interpersonal Communication: Relational Maintenance and Disclosure

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on interpersonal communication, focusing on relational maintenance behaviors, self-disclosure, conflict resolution, and relationship decay.

Relational Maintenance Behaviors

Behaviors that promote the continued development and stability of relationships, such as giving advice, positivity, and task sharing.

Self Disclosure

The act of revealing information about oneself that others are unlikely to discover from other sources.

Catharsis

A process through which individuals feel better by expressing their feelings or thoughts.

Norm of Reciprocity

The expectation that self-disclosure should be matched by a similar level of intimacy from the partner.

Lying

The act of deliberately providing false information or omitting information to mislead someone.

Gunny-Sacking

The behavior of storing grievances and bringing them up inappropriately during conflicts.

Conflict

A situation where two people in a relationship disagree and cannot negotiate a mutually satisfactory solution.

Compromise

A conflict management style where both parties make concessions to reach a middle-ground solution.

Commitment Talk

Communication that reflects and demonstrates relational commitment.

Personal Idioms

Unique expressions of affection, teasing, and communication routines shared within a relationship.

Influence

Any act of communication that can affect attitudes or behaviors, consciously or unconsciously.

Disengagement Strategies

Methods used to reduce closeness in a relationship, such as avoidance or ghosting.

The Four Horsemen

Negative communication patterns identified as detrimental to relationships, including criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt.