Chapter 7 & 8: Personal Relationships & Groups - RHET 001 - Fall 25

Involve interchangeable roles where the individuals can change without affecting the nature of the relationship

Social relationships

What did Robert Weiss identify?

6 key areas where relationships provide essential psychological and emotional benefits

Outlines the steps involved in initiating and developing close relationships, guiding how we choose which individuals to connect with based on a series of cues

Relationship Filtering Model

Critical tools for maintaining relationships, especially during periods of physical separation

Relational Continuity Constructional Units (RCCUs)

3 Forms of Relational Continuity Constructional Units (RCCUs)

Prospective units, Introspective units, Retrospective units

Forms of Relational Continuity Constructional Units (RCCUs): These signify an upcoming separation but ensure the relationship’s continuity

Prospective units, Introspective units, Retrospective units

Forms of Relational Continuity Constructional Units (RCCUs): Reminders of the relationship while the members are apart

Introspective units

Forms of Relational Continuity Constructional Units (RCCUs): These directly acknowledge the end of a separation, marking the reestablishment of the relationship through interaction

Retrospective units

Guiding Assumptions of Relational Dialectics: Relationships are built on the interplay between two opposing forces that are simultaneously connected

Contradiction

Guiding Assumptions of Relational Dialectics: Relationships are always in motion, evolving through time

Change

Guiding Assumptions of Relational Dialectics: The actions and behaviors of partners within a relationship are essential to the relationship itself

Praxis

Guiding Assumptions of Relational Dialectics: Relational contradictions do not occur in isolation

Totality

What did Julia Wood identify?

6 symptoms and sources of relational decline

Focuses on the uncertainties that arise during relationship breakdowns and the types of communication that occur throughout the process

Breakdown Process Model

A specialized type of group that is organized with distinct roles, where individual efforts are combined to achieve a shared goal

Team

Refers to the sense of connection and collaboration that develops when individuals work together, focusing on both group goals and personal growth

Cohesiveness

When members prioritize smooth operation and consensus over voicing differing opinions, leading to poor decision-making

Groupthink

Refers to the reliance of each group member on the others, meaning that the success of one is tied to the collaboration and collective performance of the entire group

Interdependance

Consist of disgruntled members who feel undervalued, disrespected, or excluded, leading to disengagement and dissatisfaction within the group

Out-groups

The formal or informal rules that guide group behaviors and procedures

Group norms

Refer to the positions or functions that individuals perform within a group, requiring participation and influence from others

Group roles

Help ensure the group achieves its goals and remains productive

Task roles

Focus on fostering positive communication and relationships

Social roles

Can hinder productivity and cohesion, working against the group’s objectives

Disruptive roles

Refers to the set of expectations and practices that distinguish a group from others and create a sense of exclusive membership for its members

Group culture

Advances the group’s agenda

Promotive communication

Diverts group from agenda

Disruptive communication

Helps redirect members' focus, reminding them of the group's purpose and getting them back on track

Counteractive communication