Communication In Interpersonal Relationships

This book discusses communication principles, processes, and skills from four different perspectives by explaining four related propositions. First, human communication is guided by socially established rules, the knowledge of which allows interacting persons to exert influence over the outcome of their interactions. Second, self concepts are formed and sustained in our interactions with others. Third, the formation of sustained interpersonal relations depends upon the attraction resulting from reciprocal self concept support. And fourth, organizations and the cultural system provide the parameters within which self concepts and interpersonal relations are formed. The implications of these propositions are examined in chapters two through ten. The authors develop their system in terms of results. What patterns of communication—what patterns of signal exchange—increase the probability of the development of affective relationship? What patterns erode interpersonal systems or prevent them from forming? The book also examines patterns of communication within task-oriented organizations and in situations involving cultural differences.

Interpersonal relationships are the core of our societal system and have been since before the dawn of civilization. In today's world, friends, lovers, companions, and confidants make valuable contributions to our everyday lives. These are the relationships whose members are not automatically participants as a result of their birth and kin affiliations. The focus is on these relationships that must be forged from the sometimes indifferent, and sometimes hostile world. Yet, there is still much that is not known about how these relationships evolve, how partners communicate in on-going relationships, how people keep their relationships together, and how they cope when they fall apart. Primary to the focus of this book is the underlying theme of evolving interpersonal relationships from the initial encounter to the mature alliance. The contributors to this volume provide a contemporary perspective for the study of interpersonal relationships. Fresh areas of scholarly inquiry are presented and existing approaches are re-examined. Research in the introductory chapters breaks new ground, and appraises the ultimate question of what impact initial interactions have on further relational development. The mid-section of the volume concerns communication issues that confront the members of a relationship in process, focusing on how conflict and jealousy are communicated to a relational partner. This research considers relational development as well as obstacles and barriers to evolving relationships. The concluding chapters probe the question: Ultimately do all good things have to come to an end? Employing innovative techniques to examine maturing and disengaging relationships, the research presented here focuses on how interpersonal relationships become committed and mature.

An outline of how power, an inherent feature of social interactions, operates and affects close relationships.

The new edition of this well regarded book introduces the underpinning theory and concepts required for the development of first class communication and interpersonal skills in nursing. By providing a simple to read overview of the central topics, students are able to quickly gain a solid, evidence-based grounding in the subject. Topics covered include: empathy; building therapeutic relationships; using a variety of communication methods; compassion and dignity; communicating in different environments; and culture and diversity issues. Three new chapters have been added that point readers towards further ways of approaching their communication skills that are less model and technique driven and focusing more on therapeutic considerations, as well as looking at the politics of communication.

By introducing classic, foundational interpersonal communication frameworks and key interpersonal communication theories, Communicate to Connect: Interpersonal Communication for Today's Relationships provides students with vital information regarding how humans interact and build, maintain, and dissolve relationships with one another. The book begins with chapters that define communication and introduce verbal communication and nonverbal communication. Additional chapters underscore the importance of listening, present common social roles and expectations related to communication, and provide guidance to increase message effectiveness and persuasion. Students learn about attachment and communication; secrets, self-disclosure, and privacy; maintaining long-distance relationships; the internet as a means of social support; and relationship dissolution, including the processes of hurt, anger, and forgiveness. Concluding chapters speak to organizational and workplace communication, family relationships, and cultural differences in interpersonal communication. Each chapter features a lab assignment that instructs students to participate in real-world observations and activities that foster connections between theory and application. Addressing topics that resonate with and serve the needs of modern undergraduate students, Communicate to Connect is an exemplary resource for foundational courses in interpersonal communication, close relationships, and relational communication. Elizabeth Dorrance Hall, Ph.D. is a communication researcher and social scientist. She is an assistant professor of communication at Michigan State University and a director of the Family Communication and Relationships Lab. Dr. Dorrance Hall holds a Ph.D. in family and interpersonal communication from Purdue University. Her research focuses on difficult conversations and how close relationships evolve over time. Dr. Dorrance Hall has authored numerous articles on interpersonal communication for Communication Research, Health Communication, Family Relations, Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Journal of Family Communication, and Communication Monographs, to name a few.

This work on relationships lays emphasis on communication as an integral part of successful close relationships.