1. Interpersonal Relationships: Attraction and Dynamics

2. 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

3. Attraction Variables Appearance Similarity Complementarity Rewards
Competency
Proximity
Disclosure
Reciprocity
Timing

4. Relationship Development

5. Knapp’s 10 Stages

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

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

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

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

10. 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