Interpersonal Relationships: Attraction and Dynamics

Interpersonal Relationships… Include romantic relationships, but also friendships, working relationships, relationships with family members, etc. Are shaped by communication Influence how we communicate Are fluid A process Always changing and developing

Attraction Variables Appearance Similarity Complementarity Rewards Competency Proximity Disclosure Reciprocity Timing

Relationship Development

Knapp’s 10 Stages

Relationship Dynamics Dialectical tensions – “Conflicts that arise when 2 opposing forces exist simultaneously Relationship Opposing forces

Primary Dialectical Tensions Integration Separation In relationships: Connection -- Autonomy

Primary Dialectical Tensions - Continued Stability Change In relationships: Predictability -- Novelty

Primary Dialectical Tensions - Continued Expression Privacy In relationships: Openness -- Closedness

Responding to Dialectics Neutralization – compromising, and striking a balance Giving priority to one of the needs in a dialectic rather than the other Applying different dialectical needs in different spheres/issues/times Reframing – seeing how each need contributes to the other