About the Book

Using a relational approach to the study of interpersonal communication, this text provides comprehensive coverage of popular theories and concepts in interpersonal communication. The research base of the book draws heavily from communication, but also emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of the study of personal relationships.

The book focuses on communication within close relationships and is organized using a developmental approach: The early chapters focus on processes that shape initial interaction and relational escalation (with the caveat that some of these processes—e.g., self disclosure, uncertainty—also play important roles in established relationships); The middle chapters examine issues related to maintaining a loving, fair, and intimate relationship; The latter chapters focus on challenges relational partners face, including coping with privacy needs, relational transgressions, and conflict. The last chapter is on relationship endings.

The book includes research from various disciplines, such as social psychology and family studies, but the primary focus is communication research.

Table of Contents:
1. Conceptualizing Relational Communication: Definitions, Principles, and Relational Messages The Field of Personal Relationships: A Brief History Relationships Principles of Interpersonal Communication Principles of Relational Communication Relational Messages Summary and Application Discussion Questions 2. Communicating Identity: The Social Self The Development and Expansion of Identities Identity, Perceptions, and Social Interaction Principles of Identity Management Communicating Our Identities to Others Summary and Application Discussion Questions 3. Drawing People Together: Forces of Social Attraction Defining Attraction A Framework for Understanding Attraction Personal Variables Related to Attraction Other People′s Qualities Interpersonal Chemistry Between People Environmental Features Related to Attraction Summary and Application Discussion Questions 4. Making Sense of Our World: Coping with Uncertainty and Expectancy Violations Defining Uncertainty Uncertainty Reduction in Initial Encounters Predicted Outcomes in Initial Encounters Uncertainty in Established Relationships Factors Affecting Motivation to Seek Information Personality Differences Expectancy Violations Application and Summary Discussion Questions 5. Getting Closer: Initiating and Intensifying Relationships Self-Disclosure Stage Theories of Relationship Development The Turning Point Approach First Dates Cohabitation Summary and Application Discussion Questions 6. Making a Love Connection: Styles of Love and Attachment Love, Liking, and Unrequited Love Types of Love Attachment Theory Summary and Application Discussion Questions 7. Communicating Sexually: The Closest Physical Encounter Sex in Relationships Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors Communication Patterns Sexual Coercion and Harassment Sexual Satisfaction: Misconceptions and Realities Summary and Application Discussion Questions 8. Communicating Closeness: Intimacy, Affection, and Social Support Understanding Intimacy The Importance of Intimacy and Affection Nonverbal Intimacy Verbal Intimacy Comfort and Social Support Theories and Models of Intimate Interaction Sex Differences in Intimacy and Affection Summary and Application Discussion Questions 9. Staying Close: Maintaining Intimate Relationships Defining Relational Maintenance Behaviors Used to Maintain Relationships Maintenance Behavior in Various Types of Relationships Barriers to Relational Dissolution The Dialectical Perspective Summary and Application Discussion Questions 10. Getting a Fair Deal: Interdependence and Equity Interdependence Theory The Investment Model Equity Theory Evolutionary Theories of Social Exchange Summary and Application Discussion Questions 11. Playing with Power: Dominance and Influence in Relationships Defining Power and Related Terms Power Principles Interpersonal Influence Goals Verbal Power Ploys Nonverbal Positions of Power Power and Influence in Families Summary and Application Discussion Questions 12. Getting Too Close for Comfort: Privacy and Secrets in Relationships Communication Privacy Management Theory Negotiating Privacy Boundaries in Relationships Obsessive Relational Intrusion Topic Avoidance Secrets Summary and Application Discussion Questions 13. Hurting the Ones We Love: Relational Transgressions Hurt Feelings in Relationships Infidelity Jealousy Deception Hurtful Messages The Aftermath of Hurtful Events Summary and Application Discussion Questions 14. Coping with Conflict: When Relational Partners Disagree Conflict in Relationships Conflict Styles Patterns of Conflict Interaction Explanations for Conflict Patterns Summary and Application Discussion Questions 15. Ending Relationships: Disengagement and Termination Why Relationships End Models of the Disengagement Process Fifteen Ways to Leave Your Partner Outcomes: The Results of Relationship Endings Summary and Application Discussion Questions