The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication

by Spitzberg; Brian H.

• ISBN13: 9780805857795
• ISBN10: 0805857796
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-02-22
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication examines the multifunctional ways in which seemingly productive communication can be destructive'¬ ;and vice versa'¬ ;and explores the many ways in which dysfunctional interpersonal communication operates across a variety of personal relationship contexts. This second edition of Brian Spitzberg and William Cupach'¬"s classic volume presents new chapters and topics, along with updates of several chapters in the earlier edition, all in the context of surveying the scholarly landscape for new and important avenues of investigation. Offering much new content, this volume features internationally renowned scholars addressing such compelling topics as uncertainty and secrecy in relationships; the role of negotiating self in cyberspace; criticism and complaints; teasing and bullying; infidelity and relational transgressions; revenge; and adolescent physical aggression toward parents. The chapters are organized thematically and offer a range of perspectives from both junior scholars and seasoned academics. By posing questions at the micro and macro levels, The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication draws closer to a perspective in which the darker sides and brighter sides of human experience are better integrated in theory and research. Appropriate for scholars, practitioners, and students in communication, social psychology, sociology, counseling, conflict, personal relationships, and related areas, this book is also useful as a text in graduate courses on interpersonal communication, ethics, and other special topics.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. vii
Amusing and Bemusing
Disentangling the Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication	p. 3
Schmoozing, Choosing, and Confusing
The Dark Side of Relational Uncertainty: Obstacle or Opportunity	p. 31
The Dark Side (and Light Side) of Avoidance and Secrets	p. 61
Manipulation of Self in Cyberspace	p. 93
Bruising
Communicating	p. 121
"You're Bugging Me!": Complaints and Criticism From a Partner	p. 143
Teasing and Bullying	p. 169
(Mis)using, Accusing, and Excusing
The Dark Side of Infidelity: Its Nature, Prevalence, and Communicative Functions	p. 201
Responses to Relational Transgressions: Hurt, Anger, and Sometimes Forgiveness	p. 243
Abusing
The Communication of Revenge: On the Viciousness, Virtues, and Vitality of Vengeful Behavior in Interpersonal Relationships	p. 277
Communicative Aggression: Toward a More Interactional View of Psychological Abuse	p. 297
Explaining Child Abuse as a Lack of Safe Ground	p. 327
Adolescent-to-Parent Abuse: Exploring the Communicative Patterns Leading to Verbal, Physical, and Emotional Abuse	p. 363
Author Index	p. 389
Subject Index	p. 411
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