Nonverbal Communication in Close Relationships

by Guerrero; Laura K.

• ISBN13: 9780805843972
• ISBN10: 0805843973
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-11-18
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Nonverbal Communication in Close Relationshipsprovides a synthesis of research on nonverbal communication as it applies to interpersonal interaction, focusing on the close relationships of friends, family, and romantic partners. Authors Laura K. Guerrero and Kory Floyd support the premise that nonverbal communication is a product of biology, social learning, and relational context. They overview six prominent nonverbal theories and show how each is related to bio-evolutionary or sociocultural perspectives. Their work focuses on various functions of nonverbal communication, emphasizing those that are most relevant to the initiation, maintenance, and dissolution of close relationships. Throughout the book, Guerrero and Floyd highlight areas where research is either contradictory or inconclusive, hoping that in the years to come scholars will have a clearer understanding of these issues. The volume concludes with a discussion of practical implications that emerge from the scholarly literature on nonverbal communication in relationships an essential component for understanding relationships in the real world. Nonverbal Communication in Close Relationshipsmakes an important contribution to the development of our understanding not only of relationship processes but also of the specific workings of nonverbal communication. It will serve as a springboard for asking new questions and advancing new theories about nonverbal communication. It is intended for scholars and advanced students in personal relationship study, social psychology, interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, family studies, and family communication. It will also be a helpful resource for researchers, clinicians, and couples searching for a better understanding of the complicated roles that nonverbal cues play in relationships.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword	vii
Steve Duck
Preface	xi
1 Introduction	1	(16)
Defining Nonverbal Communication	4	(5)
Perspectives on What Counts as Communication	9	(6)
An Overview of the Book	15	(2)
2 Major Paradigms and Theories of Nonverbal Communication	17	(40)
The Bio-Evolutionary Paradigm	18	(9)
The Sociocultural Paradigm	27	(8)
Specific Theories	35	(19)
Summary	54	(3)
3 Interpersonal Attraction	57	(27)
The Importance of Attractiveness	58	(4)
Markers of Physical Attractiveness	62	(17)
Flirting and Courtship	79	(3)
Summary	82	(2)
4 Communicating Affection	84	(23)
How Do Humans Convey Affection Nonverbally?	85	(10)
Predicting the Use of Nonverbal Affection Behaviors	95	(10)
Summary	105	(2)
5 Nonverbal Expressions of Emotion	107	(26)
Defining Emotion	108	(1)
Nonverbal Expressions of Emotions in Relationships	109	(12)
Emotional Skill in Close Relationships	121	(10)
Summary	131	(2)
6 Nonverbal Correlates of Power and Interpersonal Dominance	133	(29)
Defining Power, Dominance, and Status	134	(3)
Relative Power and Dominant Communication in Relationships	137	(3)
Nonverbal Correlates of Power	140	(5)
Sex Differences in Power Cues	145	(4)
Reducing Power Differentials	149	(1)
Interpersonal Dominance Through Social Skill	150	(7)
Interpersonal Dominance Through Intimidation or Threat	157	(3)
Summary	160	(2)
7 Interpersonal Deception	162	(36)
What Is Deception?	163	(3)
What Happens to People When They Deceive?	166	(7)
Nonverbal Behaviors That Accompany Deception (and Some That Do Not)	173	(8)
Detecting Deception	181	(15)
Summary	196	(2)
8 Conflict and Disengagement	198	(27)
Defining Conflict in the Context of Relationships	199	(3)
Conflict Strategies	202	(4)
Nonverbal Conflict Behaviors	206	(8)
Communication Patterns	214	(4)
Relationship Disengagement	218	(5)
Summary	223	(2)
9 Afterthoughts	225	(14)
Implications for Each Content Area	226	(12)
Conclusion	238	(1)
References	239	(42)
Author Index	281	(14)
Subject Index	295