2. Chapter 6 Objectives
Define interpersonal relationships & interpersonal communication
Explain the importance of interpersonal relationships
Describe the dark side of interpersonal relationships
Explain the importance of friendship

3. Chapter 6 Objectives
Explain the three stages in interpersonal relationships
Understand how to maintain positive relationships
List motivations for terminating relationships
Name four essential interpersonal communication behaviors

4. What is Interpersonal Communication?
The process of using messages to generate meaning between at least two people in a situation that allows mutual opportunities for both speaking and listening

5. What is Interpersonal Communication?
Communication that occurs within interpersonal relationships

6. Interpersonal v. Impersonal Relationships
Make predictions based on information about the other specific person
Use knowledge of the other as a unique person as the basis for the interaction
Impersonal
Make guesses about the conversation based on sociological or cultural information
Use general social interaction rules as the basis for the interaction

7. What are Interpersonal Relationships?
Associations between two people who are interdependent, who use some consistent patterns of interaction, and who have interacted for an extended period of time

8. The Importance of Interpersonal Relationships
The need for inclusion
The need for affection
The need for control

9. The Importance of Interpersonal Relationships
Some relationships are complementary relationships
Some relationships are symmetrical relationships

10. The Dark Side of Interpersonal Relationships
Obsession
Misunderstanding
Gossip
Conflict
Codependency
Abuse

11. What is Self-Disclosure?
The process of making intentional revelations about oneself that others would be unlikely to know and that generally constitute private, sensitive, or confidential information

12. Why is Self-Disclosure Important?
Allows us to develop a greater understanding of ourselves I
Open area II
Blind area
III
Hidden area IV
Unknown area
Known to self
Not known to self
Not known to others
Known to others

13. Why is Self-Disclosure Important?
Allows us to develop a greater understanding of ourselves
Allows us to develop a more positive attitude about ourselves and others
Allows us to establish more meaningful relationships with others

14. Factors Affecting Appropriate Self-Disclosure
Disclosure generally increases as relational intimacy increases
Disclosure tends to be reciprocal
Negative disclosure is directly related to relational intimacy
Disclosure may sometimes be avoided

15. Factors Affecting Appropriate Self-Disclosure
Self-disclosure varies across cultures
Self-disclosure varies by co-cultures
Relational satisfaction and disclosure are curvilinearly related

16. Friendships are Essential Interpersonal Relationships
Contribute to our well-being
Can be based on shared activities or level of information shared
Change over time
Are perceived to improve as we develop

17. Friendships are Essential Interpersonal Relationships
Friendships are affected by psychological predispositions
Six stage model for development (Rawlins, 1992)
Maintenance depends on intent of the relational partners
Cultural differences in how friendships are defined

18. Developing Cross-Cultural Relationships
Have meaningful personal interaction
Maintain equal status
Find ways to build interdependence
Respect individual differences

19. The Stages in Interpersonal Relationships
Relational Development – the process by which relationships grow
Initiating
Experimenting
Intensifying
Integrating
Bonding

20. The Stages in Interpersonal Relationships
Relational Maintenance – the process of keeping a relationship together
Three dialectics
Integration/Separation
Stability/Change
Expression/Privacy

21. The Stages in Interpersonal Relationships
Relational Deterioration – the process by which relationships deteriorate
Differentiating
Circumscribing
Stagnating
Avoiding
Terminating

22. Motivations for Initiating Relationships
Proximity
Attractiveness
Responsiveness
Similarity
Complementarity

23. Maintaining Relationships
Co-cultural differences affect how and why we maintain relationships
The way we communicate affects how we maintain relationships

24. Terminating Relationships
Hurtful messages
Deceptive communication
Aggressiveness
Argumentativeness
Defensiveness

25. Essential Interpersonal Communication Behaviors
Affectionate and supportive communication
Influencing others
Compliance-gaining
Compliance-resisting
Developing a unique relationship
Personal idioms
Rituals

26. Improving Interpersonal Communication
Bargaining
Commit to learn a variety of communication skills
Demonstrate behavioral flexibility