Interpersonal Communication

Page 1: Interpersonal Communication

  • Interpersonal Communication:

    • Refers to the communication between two or three reciprocally interacting individuals.

    • Can be mediated (through a medium like text, email) or non-mediated (face-to-face).

    • The mode of communication is increasingly through various media platforms.

    • Depends on the principle of reciprocal interaction amongst individuals.

  • Triangular Theory of Love:

    • Describes the closeness in interpersonal relationships using three core terms:

      • Intimacy: Emotional closeness and connection.

      • Passion: Physical attraction and romantic feelings.

      • Commitment: Decision to maintain the relationship over time.

  • Attraction Theory:

    • Focuses on the factors that draw people to one another.

    • Key factors include:

      • Appearance: Physical looks that are appealing.

      • Similarity: Shared interests and values.

      • Proximity: Geographic closeness increases familiarity and attraction.

  • Filtering Theory:

    • A theoretical framework explaining how individuals filter and assess potential partners based on various criteria.

Page 2: Relational Development

  • Social-Penetration Theory:

    • Analyzes self-disclosure in relationships and how deep communication can go.

    • Considerations:

      • Weighing the risks (vulnerability, rejection) against the benefits (deeper connection, trust).

      • Relationship communication ranges from surface-level to more personal exchanges.

  • Three Dialectics in Relationships:

    • Expressive-Protective: Balancing openness with privacy.

    • Autonomy-Togetherness: Balancing independence with connection.

    • Novelty-Predictability: Balancing new experiences with stable routines.

  • Knapp's Relational Development Model:

    • Explores how relationships develop and endure over time.

    • Introduces the Staircase Model:

      • Represents the various stages of relational development, emphasizing progression and possible regression in relationships.

Page 3: Relational Maintenance

  • Relational Maintenance Behaviors:

    • Actions taken to preserve and maintain a relationship.

    • Differentiates between desired and undesired behaviors impacting relationship health.

  • Social Exchange Theory:

    • Evaluates relationships based on the costs vs. benefits involved.

    • Individuals seek to maximize benefits while minimizing costs in their relational exchanges.