Chapter 8: Interpersonal Communication Verderber, Sellnow, and Verderber © 2014 Cengage Learning

Learning Outcomes LO8-1 Discuss how to provide emotional support LO8-2 Examine the tension between openness and privacy LO8-3 Understand how to express desires and expectations LO8-4 Discuss conflict management styles © 2014 Cengage Learning

Communication Climate The communication climate is the overall emotional tone of your relationship. A positive communication climate is one where partners feel valued and supported. © 2014 Cengage Learning

Learning Outcome 8-1 Comforting Comforting is helping others feel better about themselves, their behavior, or their situation by creating a safe space to express feelings and to work out a plan for the future. Comforting can help those who provide emotional support by improving their self-esteem and their relationship with the person being comforted. © 2011 Cengage Learning © 2014 Cengage Learning

Disclosure and Privacy Learning Outcome 8-2 Disclosure and Privacy Disclosure is revealing confidential or secret information about yourself (self-disclosure) and about others (other-disclosure). Privacy management is maintaining confidential or secret information to enhance autonomy or minimize vulnerability. © 2014 Cengage Learning

Effects of Disclosure and Privacy on Relationships Learning Outcome 8-2 Effects of Disclosure and Privacy on Relationships Privacy and disclosure decisions affect relationships in three major ways: Intimacy levels Reciprocity expectations Information co-ownership © 2014 Cengage Learning

Passive Communication Learning Outcome 8-3 Passive Communication People use a passive communication style when they submit to others’ demands and conceal, rather than voice, their needs, rights, desires, and expectations. © 2014 Cengage Learning

Aggressive Communication Learning Outcome 8-3 Aggressive Communication People use an aggressive communication style when they attack others’ self-concept and/or express personal hostility toward others to inflict psychological pain. © 2014 Cengage Learning

Passive-Aggressive Communication Learning Outcome 8-3 Passive-Aggressive Communication People use a passive-aggressive communication style when they submit to others’ demands while indirectly exhibiting hostility toward them. © 2014 Cengage Learning

Assertive Communication Learning Outcome 8-3 Assertive Communication People us an assertive communication style when they express their personal needs, rights, desires, and expectations honestly and directly in ways that also demonstrate respect and value for others. © 2014 Cengage Learning

Cultural and Co-cultural Considerations Learning Outcome 8-3 Cultural and Co-cultural Considerations Assertiveness is typically valued in individualistic cultures such as in the United States. However, this style is not necessarily the norm across the world. Co-cultural groups within the United States may also prefer different communication styles. © 2014 Cengage Learning

Managing Interpersonal Conflict Learning Outcome 8-4 Managing Interpersonal Conflict Interpersonal conflict is an expressed struggle between two interdependent people who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from the other in achieving their goals. Conflict is not necessarily a bad thing. It is a natural part of interpersonal relationships and can actually strengthen them. There are five conflict management styles. © 2014 Cengage Learning

Conflict Management Styles Figure 8.1 Conflict Management Styles © 2014 Cengage Learning