With its unique blend of compelling topics and rich pedagogy, Interplay: The Process of Interpersonal Communication, Fifteenth Edition, offers a perfect balance of research and application to help students understand and improve their own relationships. No other book prepares students better to start improving their relationships beginning with the first day of class.

Interplay addresses the perception that students have that they already know how to communicate, which is an issue that every faculty member faces. By artfully weaving cutting-edge academic research and theory into the clear, down-to-earth, student-friendly narrative, Interplay enables students to understand the complexity and depth of human communication and interpersonal relationships. The series of concepts builds logically through the chapter sequence so that students deepen their communication skills as they progress through the book. With the expert use of contemporary and brief video clips available as part of the integrated digital resources, students can see concepts applied in real scenarios, making their learning even more meaningful.

o Now available in Oxford Insight Courseware: Available separately, Oxford Insight courseware delivers high-quality content from Oxford University Press within powerful, data-driven courseware designed to optimize student success. Developed with a foundation in learning science, Insight enables instructors to deliver a personalized, adaptive, and engaging learning experience, including videos and quizzing. This adaptivity, paired with real-time actionable data about student performance, helps instructors ensure that each student is best supported along a unique learning path. The Courseware can be integrated into most learning management systems. Contact your rep for more information.

Ronald B. Adler is Professor Emeritus of Communication at Santa Barbara City College.

Lawrence B. Rosenfeld is Professor Emeritus of Communication at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Russell F. Proctor II is Professor Emeritus of Communication at Northern Kentucky University.

Contents
Preface

PART 1. FOUNDATIONS OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Chapter 1. Interpersonal Process
1.1 Why We Communicate
Physical Needs
Identity Needs
Social Needs
Practical Needs
1.2 The Communication Process
Early Models of Communication
Insights from the Transactional Communication Model
Communication Principles
Communication Misconceptions
1.3 What Makes Communication Interpersonal?
Defining Interpersonal Communication
Interpersonal and Impersonal Communication: A Matter of Balance
1.4 Communication Competence
Principles of Communication Competence
Characteristics of Competent Communication
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Watch and Discuss: "Going It Alone"
Dark Side of Communication: The Epidemic of Loneliness
At Work: Communication and Career Advancement
Focus on Research: Tweeting: The Channel Affects the Message
Assessing Your Communication: How Interpersonal Are Your Relationships?
Focus on Research: Online Chat in Customer Service: When Impersonal Fails
Watch and Discuss: "Struggles of Having a Friend with No Filter"

Chapter 2. Mediated Interpersonal Communication
2.1 Mediated Communication: Pros and Cons
Alienating or Connecting?
Superficial or Meaningful?
Unhealthy or Healthy?
The Bottom Line
2.2 Mediated Interpersonal versus Masspersonal Communication
Hallmarks of Mediated Interpersonal Communication
Hallmarks of Masspersonal Communication
2.3 Competence in Mediated Communication
Consider the Channel(s)
Be Careful What You Post
Consider the Communicators and the Environment
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Watch and Discuss: "I Forgot My Phone"
At Work: Using LinkedIn for Career Success
Dark Side of Communication: The Effects of Smartphone Use among Teens
Focus on Research: Social Media Detox
Focus on Research: The Many Meanings of the Like Button
Watch and Discuss: "Women in Sports Face Harassment"
Assessing Your Communication: Are You Spending Too Much Time Online?

Chapter 3. Culture and Interpersonal Communication
3.1 Culture and Communication
Culture and Co-Culture
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal and Intercultural Dimensions of Communication
Intercultural Differences as Generalizations
3.2 Cultural Values and Norms
High versus Low Context
Individualism versus Collectivism
Power Distance
Uncertainty Avoidance
Achievement versus Nurturing
3.3 Co-Cultures and Communication
Race and Ethnicity
Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
Age and Generation
(Dis)abilities
Socioeconomic Status
3.4 Codes and Culture
Verbal Codes
Nonverbal Codes
Microaggressions
3.5 Developing Intercultural Communication Competence
Motivation and Attitude
Tolerance for Ambiguity
Open-Mindedness
Knowledge and Skill
Patience and Perseverance
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Focus on Research: Co-Cultural Strategies for Latinx Students
Dark Side of Communication: Why Cultural Appropriation Is Inappropriate
At Work: Organizations Are Cultures
Watch and Discuss: "P&G: The Look"
Assessing Your Communication: What Is Your Intercultural Communication Competence?
Watch and Discuss: "Momondo: The DNA Journey"
Focus on Research: Living in Another Culture: Adapting and Adopting

Chapter 4. Interpersonal Communication and the Self
4.1 Communication and the Self-Concept
How the Self-Concept Develops
Characteristics of the Self-Concept
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy and Communication
4.2 Presenting the Self
Public Self and Private Self
Characteristics of Impression Management
Face-to-Face Impression Management
Impression Management in Mediated Communication
Impression Management and Honesty
4.3 Disclosing the Self
The Nature of Self-Disclosure
Models of Self-Disclosure
Benefits and Risks of Self-Disclosure
Guidelines for Self-Disclosure
Alternatives to Self-Disclosure
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Focus on Research: Does Instagram=#Instasad?
Watch and Discuss: "Dove Evolution Commercial"
Watch and Discuss: "Constructing Social Reality"
At Work: Impression Management in the Workplace
Dark Side of Communication: Talking Frankly about STDs
Assessing Your Communication: Online and Offline Self-Disclosure

Chapter 5. Perceiving Others
5.1 The Perception Process
Reality Is Constructed
Steps in the Perception Process
5.2 Influences on Perception
Access to Information
Physiological Influences
Social Influences
Cultural Influences
5.3 Common Tendencies in Perception
We Make Snap Judgments
We Cling to First Impressions
We Judge Ourselves More Charitably than We Judge Others
We Are Influenced by Our Expectations
We Are Influenced by the Obvious
We Assume Others Are Like Us
5.4 Synchronizing Our Perceptions
Perception Checking
Building Empathy
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Watch and Discuss: "The Monkey Business Illusion"
Watch and Discuss: "All That We Share"
At Work: Sexual Harassment and Perception
Dark Side of Communication: Implicit Bias and Its Effects
Focus on Research: You, Not I, Have a Social Media Problem
Focus on Research: Want to Understand Someone's Perspective? Ask.
Assessing Your Communication: Your Empathy Quotient

PART 2. CREATING AND RESPONDING TO MESSAGES
Chapter 6. Language
6.1 The Nature of Language
Language Is Symbolic
Language Is Rule-Governed
Language Is Subjective
Language and Worldview
6.2 The Impact of Language
Naming and Identity
Affiliation
Power and Politeness
Sexism and Racism
Precision and Vagueness
6.3 The Language of Responsibility
Accountable Language
"I," "You" and "We" Language
The Language of Choice
6.4 Gender and Language
Extent of Gender Differences
Non-Gender Influences on Language Use 160
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Watch and Discuss: "Girl vs. Woman: Why Language Matters"
At Work: Swearing on the Job
Dark Side of Communication: Sorry, Not Sorry
Assessing Your Communication: Sexist Language
Watch and Discuss: "Vague Facebook Posts-Congressional Hearings"
Focus on Research: "You" Language and Interpersonal Support
Focus on Research: Status, Gender, and Creating Online Community

Chapter 7. Nonverbal Communication
7.1 Nonverbal Communication Defined
7.2 Characteristics of Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal Communication Is Always Occurring
Nonverbal Communication Is Primarily Relational
Nonverbal Communication Is Ambiguous
Nonverbal Communication Occurs Even in Mediated Messages
Nonverbal Communication Is Influenced by Culture and Gender
7.3 Functions of Nonverbal Communication
Creating and Maintaining Relationships
Regulating Interaction
Influencing Others
Influencing Ourselves
Concealing/Deceiving
Managing Impressions
7.4 Types of Nonverbal Communication
Body Movement
Touch
Voice
Distance
Territoriality
Time
Physical Attractiveness
Clothing
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Focus on Research: The Power of Periods. In Texting.
Assessing Your Communication: Nonverbal Immediacy Behaviors
Watch and Discuss: "Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are"
Focus on Research: Verbal Planning Helps Nonverbal Delivery
At Work: Let Your Voice Be Heard
Watch and Discuss: "Who Sounds Gay?"
Dark Side of Communication: The Inequality of "Lookism"

Chapter 8. Listening: Receiving and Responding
8.1 The Nature of Listening
The Importance of Listening
Listening Defined
Listening Styles
8.2 The Challenge of Listening
Recognizing Barriers to Listening
Avoiding Poor Listening Habits
8.3 Components of Listening
Hearing
Attending
Understanding
Remembering
Responding
8.4 Types of Listening Responses
Silent Listening
Questioning
Paraphrasing
Empathizing
Supporting
Analyzing
Evaluating
Advising
Which Response Type to Use?
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
At Work: Listening to the Customer
Assessing Your Communication: Your Listening Styles
Dark Side of Communication: The Myth of Multitasking
Watch and Discuss: "The Listener: The Stories of Craigslist Confessional"
Watch and Discuss: "Bren? Brown on Empathy"
Focus on Research: Minimizing Doesn't Help
Focus on Research: Chatbots Soften Advice with Empathy

Chapter 9. Emotions
9.1 What Are Emotions?
Physiological Changes
Nonverbal Behavior
Cognitive Interpretations
Verbal Expression
9.2 Influences on Emotional Expression
Culture
Gender
Social Conventions and Roles
Mediated Communication
Emotional Contagion
9.3 Expressing Emotions Effectively
Recognize Your Feelings
Choose the Best Language
Share Multiple Feelings
Recognize the Difference Between Feeling and Acting
Accept Responsibility for Your Feelings
Choose the Best Time and Place to Express Your Feelings
9.4 Managing Emotions
Facilitative and Debilitative Emotions
Thoughts Cause Feelings
Irrational Thinking and Debilitative Emotions
Minimizing Debilitative Emotions
Maximizing Facilitative Emotions
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Watch and Discuss: "How to Turn Anxiety into Excitement"
At Work: Emotional Labor on the Job
Dark Side of Communication: Fictional Characters, Real Feelings: Parasocial Relationships
Assessing Your Communication: Your Emotional Intelligence
Focus on Research: Use Your Words
Focus on Research: When Talking About Feelings Makes Things Worse
Watch and Discuss: "An Experiment in Gratitude"

PART 3. DIMENSIONS OF INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
Chapter 10. Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships
10.1 Why We Form Relationships
Appearance
Similarity
Complementarity
Rewards
Competency
Proximity
Disclosure
10.2 Models of Relational Dynamics
Stages of Relational Development
Dialectical Tensions
10.3 Communicating about Relationships
Content and Relational Messages
Maintaining and Supporting Relationships
Repairing Damaged Relationships
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Dark Side of Communication: The Anguish of Abusive Relationships
Focus on Research: Forgiveness Strategies as Relational Stage Markers
Watch and Discuss: "Couples Swap Phones and Go through Each Other's History"
Focus on Research: Metacomunication in Online Discussions
Assessing Your Communication: Relational Maintenance
At Work: Relational Repair on the Job
Watch and Discuss: "The Power of Forgiveness"

Chapter 11. Communication in Close Relationships: Friends, Family, and Romantic Partners
11.1 Communication in Friendships
Types of Friendships
Friendships, Gender, and Communication
Communication in Successful Friendships
11.2 Communication in the Family
Creating the Family through Communication
Patterns of Family Communication
Effective Communication in Families
11.3 Communication in Romantic Relationships
Characteristics of Romantic Relationships
Effective Communication in Romantic Relationships
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Focus on Research: Making and Developing Friendships
Watch and Discuss: "Can Heterosexual Men and Women Be Just Friends?"
At Work: Social Media Relationships with Coworkers
Assessing Your Communication: Your Family's Communication Pattern
Focus on Research: "I'll Give You a Call": Staying in Touch with Parents Back Home"
Watch and Discuss: "Love Languages"
Dark Side of Communication: Pornography and Relational Quality

Chapter 12. Managing Conflict
12.1 What Is Conflict?
Expressed Struggle
Interdependence
Perceived Incompatible Goals
Perceived Scarce Resources
Inevitability
12.2 Conflict Styles
Avoidance (Lose-Lose)
Accommodation (Lose-Win)
Competition (Win-Lose)
Compromise
Collaboration (Win-Win)
Which Style to Use?
12.3 Conflict in Relational Systems
Complementary and Symmetrical Conflict
Serial Arguments
Toxic Conflict: The "Four Horsemen"
Conflict Rituals
12.4 Conflict Management in Practice
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Focus on Research: The Dangers of Mind-Reading Expectations
Dark Side of Communication: Ghosting: The Ultimate Silent Treatment
Watch and Discuss: "Signs You're the Passive Aggressive Friend"
Assessing Your Communication: Your Method of Conflict Resolution
Watch and Discuss: "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse"
Focus on Research: Taking Conflict Personally
At Work: Managing Conflict via Email

Chapter 13. Communication Climate
13.1 What Is a Communication Climate?
13.2 How Communication Climates Develop
Levels of Message Confirmation
Causes and Effects of Defensiveness
13.3 Creating Supportive Climates
Evaluation Versus Description
Control Versus Problem Orientation
Strategy Versus Spontaneity
Neutrality Versus Empathy
Superiority Versus Equality
Certainty Versus Provisionalism
13.4 Conversation: From Monologue to Dialogue
Casual Conversation
Civil Dialogue
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
KEY TERMS
ACTIVITIES
FEATURES
Dark Side of Communication: Cyberbullying: Inflicting Pain Online
Assessing Your Communication: Confirming and Disconfirming Communication
Focus on Research: Phubbing: Losing Out to Your Partner's Phone
Focus on Research: A Blurt Can Hurt
Watch and Discuss: "Let's Try Emotional Correctness"
At Work: Telling STAR Stories in Job Interviews
Watch and Discuss: "What Do You Do When Someone Just Doesn't Like You?"

Glossary
References
Credits
Author Index
Subject Index

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Adler: Interplay The Process of Interpersonal Communication

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