Social Psychology (2): Social Interaction 2

What is an Interpersonal Gap?

The gap between what the sender intends to communicate and what the listener perceives.

What are potential sources of interference in communication?

Differences between the sender's intended message and the receiver's interpretation.

What are examples of non-verbal communication channels?

• Eyes

• Body language

• Paralanguage (pitch, volume)

• Interpersonal distance

• Facial expressions

What role do facial expressions play in communication?

They convey mood and emotion.

Why is verbal communication important?

It is vital for developing closeness in relationships.

What is Self-Disclosure?

Revealing personal information to someone to generate closeness.

How does self-disclosure affect how we feel about others?

We like people who disclose to us and feel closer after we disclose to them.

What is Aron’s 36 Questions (“fast-friends procedure”)?

A method to generate closeness between participants, found to be more effective than small talk or unstructured tasks.

What factors make self-disclosure effective for building closeness?

Meaningful disclosure, interest and empathy from the listener, and perceiving the other as responsive.

What is responsiveness in relationships?

Attentive and supportive recognition of another's needs and interests.

What are Attributions?

Explanations we use to understand others’ behaviour (internal or external).

How does relationship satisfaction influence attributions?

• Satisfaction: Internal attributions for good behavior, external for bad.

• Dissatisfaction: External attributions for good behavior, internal for bad.

What are positive illusions in relationships?

Emphasising a partner’s positive qualities and minimising their faults

What are the advantages of positive illusions?

• Increased satisfaction and stability

• Minimising conflict

• Feeling secure

• Fulfilling prophecy

When are positive illusions most beneficial?

In new relationships

What becomes more beneficial in longer-term relationships?

Self-verification (being seen accurately rather than idealised).

What are destiny beliefs in relationships?

The belief that people are either compatible or not.

How do destiny beliefs impact relationship satisfaction after conflict?

Satisfaction declines, leading to disengagement if challenges arise.

What are growth beliefs in relationships?

The belief that relationship challenges can be overcome.

How do growth beliefs affect handling conflict?

• More constructive

• Optimistic

• Committed responses

→ higher satisfaction.

Why is communication essential in relationships?

Because we are bad at mind-reading; without communication, misunderstandings increase.

As relationships progress, does mind-reading accuracy improve?

No, accuracy does not increase, but confidence does.

How can we better understand others’ thoughts and feelings?

Through:

• Time

• Effort

• Perspective-taking

• Active encoding

• Construing oneself at a higher level of abstraction.