Chapter 8: Communication and Relational Dynamics Presentation prepared by Dr. Michael Pearson, Gretchen Gill, and Tim Scanlon of West Chester University

Chapter 8: Communication and Relational Dynamics

Presentation prepared by Dr. Michael Pearson, Gretchen Gill, and Tim Scanlon

of West Chester University

PowerPoint Presentation to accompany Looking Out, Looking In, Tenth Edition

Copyright © 2002 Thomson Learning, Inc. Thomson Learning™ is a trademark used herein under license.

For permission to use material from this text, contact us by:Phone: 1-800-730-2214 Fax: 1-800-730-2215

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Copyright © 2002 Thomson Learning, Inc.

CHAPTER 8

Communication and Communication and Relational DynamicsRelational Dynamics

Copyright © 2002 Thomson Learning, Inc.

Copyright © 2002 Thomson Learning, Inc..

Communication and Communication and Relational DynamicsRelational Dynamics

• Why We Form Relationships• Models of Relational Development and

Maintenance• Self-Disclosure in Relationships• Alternatives to Self-Disclosure


Why We Form Relationships

• Similarity and complementarity

• Reciprocal Attraction

• Competence

• Disclosure

• Proximity

Attraction



• Dimensions of Intimacy

• Masculine and Feminine Intimacy Styles

• Cultural Influences on Intimacy

• The Limits of Intimacy

Intimacy



Social Exchange Theory• We often seek out people who can give us rewards that

are greater than or equal to the costs we encounter in dealing with them.

• Rewards – Costs = Outcomes

Rewards


Relational Maintenance - communication aimed at keeping relationships operating smoothly and satisfactorily

• Initiating• Experimenting• Intensifying• Integrating• Bonding

Models of Relational Development and Maintenance

Developmental Models



• Differentiating

• Circumscribing

• Stagnating

• Avoiding

• Terminating

Developmental Models



Dialectical tensions - conflicts that arise when two opposing or incompatible forces exist simultaneously

• Connection vs. Autonomy• Predictability vs. Novelty • Openness vs. Privacy

Dialectical Perspectives



Dialectical PerspectivesStrategies for Managing Dialectical Tensions:• Denial• Disorientation• Alternation• Balance• Integration• Recalibration• Reaffirmation



• Relationships are constantly changing• Movement is always to a new place

Characteristics of Relational Development and Maintenance


Self-Disclosure in Relationships

Self-Disclosure - the process of deliberately revealing information about oneself that is significant and that would not normally be known by others



Social penetration model• Breadth• Depth

Degrees of Self- Disclosure


• Cliches - “How are you” or “We will have to get together soon”

• Facts - “I’m practically engaged,” when meeting a stranger

• Opinions - “I am against abortion” or “Cheesecake stinks”

• Feelings - “Tell me what’s on your mind”


Degrees of Self- Disclosure



Johari Window• open area- information of which both you and the

other person are aware• blind area- information of which you are unaware

but of which the other person is aware• hidden area- information you know but will not

share• unknown area- information unknown to you and

others

A Model of Self-Disclosure



• Self-disclosure usually occurs in dyads.• Self-disclosure occurs incrementally.• Relatively few transactions involve high levels of self-

disclosure.• Self-disclosure is relatively scarce.• Self-disclosure usually occurs in the context of

positive relationships.

Characteristics of Self-Disclosure



• Catharsis• Self-Clarification• Self-Validation• Reciprocity• Identity Management• Relationship Maintenance and Enhancement• Social Control• Manipulation

Reasons for Self-Disclosure



• Is the other person important to you?• Is the risk of disclosing reasonable?• Is the disclosure relevant to the situation at hand?• Are the amount type of disclosure appropriate?

Guidelines for Self-Disclosure



• Will the effect be constructive?• Is the self-disclosure clear and understandable?

• Is the disclosure reciprocated?

Guidelines for Self-Disclosure


Alternatives to Self-Disclosure

White Lie - is defined (at least by the teller) as unmalicious, or even helpful to the person to whom it is told

Lying

Effects of Lies - What are the consequences of discovering that you’ve been lied to?

Reasons for Lying1. To save face2. To avoid tension/conflict3. To guide social interaction 4. To expand or reduce relationships5. To gain power



Equivocal language - Ambiguous language that has two or more equally plausible meanings.The value of equivocation:

• It spares the receiver from embarrassment.• It can save face for both the sender and receiver.• It provides an alternative to lying.

Equivocating

HintingA hint seeks to get a desired response from another person.



Some argue that the morality of a speaker’s motives for lying ought to be judged, not the lie itself, and others ask whether the effects of a lie will be worth the deception.

The Ethics of Evasion

Documents

Chapter 8: Communication and Relational Dynamics Presentation prepared by Dr. Michael Pearson, Gretchen Gill, and Tim Scanlon of West Chester University