Close Encounters : Communication in Relationships

by Laura K. Guerrero

• ISBN13: 9781412977371
• ISBN10: 1412977371
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-11-03
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

Helping students better understand their relationshipsTaking a relational approach to the study of interpersonal communication, this bestselling text focuses on issues that are central to understanding close relationships, particularly between romantic partners, friends, and family members. While it draws on interdisciplinary research, the book maintains a focus on communication.Key FeaturesOffers an in-depth discussion of key concepts: Designed for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate-level classes, the book provides a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of many facets of relational communicationIncludes high-interest topics: Designed to appeal to students, the book explores topics such as long-distance relationships, cross-sex friendships, flirting, sexual interaction, and the 'œdark side' of relational communicationContains 'œPut Yourself to the Test' boxes: These exercises assess various aspects of students' own relationships and communication styleNew to the Third EditionMakes available the latest research: New topics covered include chemical attraction, invisible support, antisocial maintenance behaviors, common couple violence, use of social media, as well as an updated discussion of key theoriesProvides an increased focus on cultural differences: Boxed features help students appreciate cultural differences in relational communication

Table of Contents

Conceptualizing Relational Communication: Definitions and Principles

The Field of Personal Relationships: A Brief History

Relationships

Principles of Interpersonal Communication

Principles of Relational Communication

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Communicating Identity: The Social Self

The Development Personal Identity

Principles of Identity Management

Communicating Identity 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: Managing Uncertainty

Defining Uncertainty

How do People Manage Uncertainty?

Does Having More Information Always Reduce Uncertainty?

Models of Uncertainty in Relationships

Application and Summary

Discussion Questions

Getting Closer: Initiating and Intensifying Relationships

How People Form and Develop New Relationships

Self-Disclosure

Stages of Relationship Development

First Dates and Cohabitation

The Turning Point Approach

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Communicating Closeness: Affection, Immediacy, and Social Support

Closeness in Relationships

Affectionate Communication

Affectionate Exchange Theory

Immediacy Behaviors

Cognitive Valence Theory

Comfort and Social Support

Sex Differences in the Experience and Expression of Closeness

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Making a Love Connection Styles of Love and Attachment

What is Love?

Love Styles

Attachment Theory

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Communicating Sexually: The Closest Physical Encounter

Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors

Communication Patterns

Sexual Coercion and Harassment

Sexual Satisfaction: Misconceptions and Realities

Communication and Safe Sex

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Staying Close: Maintaining Relationships

Defining Relational Maintenance

Behaviors Used to Maintain Relationships

Maintenance Behavior in Romantic Relationships

Maintenance Behavior in Same-Sex Friendships

Maintenance Behavior in Cross-Sex Friendships

Maintenance Behavior in Friends with Benefits Relationships

Maintenance Behavior in Long-Distance Relationships

The Dialectical Perspective

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Exchanging Rewards and Costs: Interdependence and Equity in Relationships

Interdependence Theory

The Investment Model

Equity Theory

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

Influencing Each Other: Power Plays and Dominance Moves

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 and Secret Keeping

Consequences of Topic Avoidance

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

Communication as a Cause of Relational Breakup

Models of the Disengagement Process

Fifteen Ways to Leave Your Partner

Outcomes: The Results of Relationship Endings

Summary and Application

Discussion Questions

References

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