dynamics of interpersonal relationships
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Dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Why we form relationships. Appearance Important in the early stage of relationships but become less important with time. Why We Form Relationships. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Why we form relationships
AppearanceImportant in the early stage of relationships but become less important with time.
Why We Form Relationships
Similarity Thesis: The most frequent and strongly supported determinant of relationship formation.
1. Validates2. Reduces Uncertainty3. Self-Fulfilling
Prophecy
Why We Form Relationships
Complementarity: Opposites AttractSatisfied couples are similar enough to satisfyneeds but different enough to be interesting
Why We Form Relationships
Rewards (Exchange Theory) We seek out people who can give us rewards that are greater than or equal to the cost we encounter in dealing with them. Relationships suffer when an inequalityexists.
Why We Form Relationships
Competence: We like to be around talented people in hopes that they will rub off on us.
Why We Form Relationships
Proximity: We tend to form relationships with others we are close to.Allows us to get more information about others.Suggests similarity
Why We Form Relationships
Disclosure: The event of sharing information with another.Suggests trustMore important as the relationship progressesReciprocity is key!
Dialectical Perspectives
Connection-Autonomy Dialectic “Hold me tight, put me down, let me go.”
Predictability-NoveltyRoutine versus need for spontaneity.
Openness-Privacy DialecticThe need to feel like you know the other person while still maintaining some privacy in your life.
Managing Dialectical Tensions Denial: Avoid Disorientation: Freezing Alternation: Choose one end or
other Segmentation: Compartmentalize
parts of the relationship (i.e. openness/privacy)
Managing Dialectical Tensions Balance: Compromise Integration: Both sides important
(Friday night date night) Recalibration: Reframing to
dissolve the contradiction Reaffirmation: Embrace the
tension
Content and Relational Messages Content- The subject being discussed,
what is said Relational- Shows how the
communicators feel about each other
Repairing Damaged Relationships Relational Transgressions: When
one partner violates the explicit or implicit terms of the relationship, letting the other one down in an important way.
Repairing Damaged Relationships Types of transgressions:
1. Minor vs. Significant2. Social vs. Relational3. Deliberate vs. Unintentional4. One time vs. Incremental