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

2. 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
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3. 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.
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4. 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

5. 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.
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6. 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
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7. 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.
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8. 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.
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9. 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.
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10. 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.
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11. 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

12. 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.
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13. Conflict Management Styles
Figure 8.1
Conflict Management Styles
© 2014 Cengage Learning