Close Encounters

by Guerrero, Laura K.; Andersen, Peter A.; Afifi, Walid A.

• ISBN13: 9781412949538
• ISBN10: 141294953X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-05-31
• Publisher: Sage Pubns

Summary

Using a relational approach to the study of interpersonal communication, this text provides comprehensive coverage of popular theories and concepts in interpersonal communication. The research base of the book draws heavily from communication, but also emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the study of personal relationships. The book focuses on communication within close relationships and is organized using a developmental approach: The early chapters focus on processes that shape initial interaction and relational escalation (with the caveat that some of these processes-e.g., self disclosure, uncertainty-also play important roles in established relationships); The middle chapters examine issues related to maintaining a loving, fair, and intimate relationship; The latter chapters focus on challenges relational partners face, including coping with privacy needs, relational transgressions, and conflict. The last chapter is on relationship endings. The book includes research from various disciplines, such as social psychology and family studies, but the primary focus is communication research.

Table of Contents

Conceptualizing Relational Communication: Definitions, Principles, and Relational Messages

The Field of Personal Relationships: A Brief History

Relationships

Principles of Interpersonal Communication

Principles of Relational Communication

Relational Messages

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Communicating Identity: The Social Self

The Development and Expansion of Identities

Identity, Perceptions, and Social Interaction

Principles of Identity Management

Communicating Our Identities to Others

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Drawing People Together: Forces of Social Attraction

Defining Attraction

A Framework for Understanding Attraction

Personal Variables Related to Attraction

Other People's Qualities

Interpersonal Chemistry Between People

Environmental Features Related to Attraction

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Making Sense of Our World: Coping with Uncertainty and Expectancy Violations

Defining Uncertainty

Uncertainty Reduction in Initial Encounters

Predicted Outcomes in Initial Encounters

Uncertainty in Established Relationships

Factors Affecting Motivation to Seek Information

Personality Differences

Expectancy Violations

Application and Summary

Discussion Questions

Getting Closer: Initiating and Intensifying Relationships

Self-Disclosure

Stage Theories of Relationship Development

The Turning Point Approach

First Dates

Cohabitation

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Making a Love Connection: Styles of Love and Attachment

Love, Liking, and Unrequited Love

Types of Love

Attachment Theory

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Communicating Sexually: The Closest Physical Encounter

Sex in Relationships

Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors

Communication Patterns

Sexual Coercion and Harassment

Sexual Satisfaction: Misconceptions and Realities

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Communicating Closeness: Intimacy, Affection, and Social Support

Understanding Intimacy

The Importance of Intimacy and Affection

Nonverbal Intimacy

Verbal Intimacy

Comfort and Social Support

Theories and Models of Intimate Interaction

Sex Differences in Intimacy and Affection

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Staying Close: Maintaining Intimate Relationships

Defining Relational Maintenance

Behaviors Used to Maintain Relationships

Maintenance Behavior in Various Types of Relationships

Barriers to Relational Dissolution

The Dialectical Perspective

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Getting a Fair Deal: Interdependence and Equity

Interdependence Theory

The Investment Model

Equity Theory

Evolutionary Theories of Social Exchange

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Playing with Power: Dominance and Influence in Relationships

Defining Power and Related Terms

Power Principles

Interpersonal Influence Goals

Verbal Power Ploys

Nonverbal Positions of Power

Power and Influence in Families

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Getting Too Close for Comfort: Privacy and Secrets in Relationships

Communication Privacy Management Theory

Negotiating Privacy Boundaries in Relationships

Obsessive Relational Intrusion

Topic Avoidance

Secrets

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Hurting the Ones We Love: Relational Transgressions

Hurt Feelings in Relationships

Infidelity

Jealousy

Deception

Hurtful Messages

The Aftermath of Hurtful Events

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Coping with Conflict: When Relational Partners Disagree

Conflict in Relationships

Conflict Styles

Patterns of Conflict Interaction

Explanations for Conflict Patterns

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Ending Relationships: Disengagement and Termination

Why Relationships End

Models of the Disengagement Process

Fifteen Ways to Leave Your Partner

Outcomes: The Results of Relationship Endings

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

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