1 Flashcards
What is interpersonal communication?
An interactional process in which one person sends a message to another.
It involves at least two people and is bi-directional and interactional.
What are the components of a message?
The information or meaning transmitted from the sender to the receiver.
Includes the message, channel, noise, and context.
Define the channel in communication.
The sensory channel through which the message reaches the receiver.
What does noise refer to in communication?
Any stimulus that interferes with accurately expressing or understanding a message.
What is context in communication?
The environment in which communication takes place.
What is psycholinguistics?
The study of psychological processes involved in producing and comprehending language.
What is language defined as?
Words + Rules.
What comprises the mental lexicon?
Words of language.
What is grammar?
Rules that dictate the legal combination of the units of language.
List the three properties of language.
- Symbolic
- Structure
- Generativity
What does displacement in language refer to?
The ability to symbolically represent and communicate about past, future, and imaginary events or objects.
Define pragmatics in language use.
Knowledge of the practical aspects of using language and the rules surrounding the social context of language.
What is an ambiguous sentence?
A sentence that can be interpreted in more than one way.
Give an example of a garden path sentence.
The old man the ships.
What is electronically mediated communication?
Interpersonal communication that takes place via technology.
What are the general principles of nonverbal communication?
- It conveys emotions
- It is multichanneled
- It is ambiguous
- It may contradict verbal messages
- It is culture-bound
What is proxemics?
The study of how people use the space around them.
Define personal space.
A zone of space surrounding a person that is felt to ‘belong’ to that person.
What is the difference between sociopetal and sociofugal settings?
- Sociopetal settings facilitate social interaction
- Sociofugal settings discourage social interaction
What are universal emotions according to Paul Ekman?
- Happiness
- Sadness
- Fear
- Surprise
- Anger
- Disgust
- Contempt
What does nonverbal sensitivity refer to?
The ability to accurately encode (express) and decode (understand) nonverbal cues.
What is self-disclosure?
The act of sharing information about yourself with another person.
List the four responses to communication apprehension.
- Avoidance
- Withdrawal
- Disruption
- Overcommunication
What are barriers to effective communication?
- Defensiveness
- Ambushing
- Self-preoccupation
What are the styles of managing conflict?
- Avoiding/withdrawing
- Accommodating
- Competing/forcing
- Compromising
- Collaborating
What is assertiveness?
Acting in your own best interests by expressing your thoughts and feelings directly and honestly.
What is the difference between assertive and aggressive communication?
Assertive communication expresses thoughts honestly while aggressive communication focuses on saying what you want at the expense of others.
What is the significance of the polygraph?
A device that records fluctuations in physiological arousal as a person answers questions.
What does leakage refer to in nonverbal communication?
The inability to mask completely the expression of a strong emotion.
What is a microexpression?
A brief, involuntary facial expression shown on the face of humans according to emotions experienced.
What does it mean when liars say less, not more?
Liars often include less unusual content in stories and are more tense.
What is the relationship between self-disclosure and relationship satisfaction?
Self-disclosure in romantic relationships is associated with relationship satisfaction.
What are some social trends that have challenged the traditional model of marriage?
- Increased acceptance of singlehood
- Increased acceptance of cohabitation
- Reduced premium on permanence
- Transitions in gender roles
- Increased voluntary childlessness
What is the trend regarding the median age at which people marry since the 1960s?
Increased acceptance of singlehood with an increasing median age at which people marry
This reflects changing societal norms around marriage.
Define cohabitation.
Living together in a sexually intimate relationship without the legal bonds of marriage
Cohabitation has become more accepted in modern society.
What are the three steps of repair after conflict in friendship?
- Reproach
- Remedy
- Acknowledgement
These steps are crucial for restoring a friendship after conflict.
What is the paradox of close relationships?
Close relationships arouse intense feelings that are both positive and negative
Examples of positive feelings include passion and caring, while negative feelings include jealousy and despair.
What three factors underlie initial attraction between strangers?
- Proximity
- Familiarity
- Physical attractiveness
These factors play significant roles in the early stages of relationship development.
What is the matching hypothesis?
Proposes that people of similar levels of physical attractiveness gravitate toward each other
This hypothesis explains patterns in romantic pairings.
What is parental investment?
Time, effort, energy, risk associated with caring successfully for each offspring
This concept is important in understanding mating systems.
What are the components of Sternberg’s triangular theory of love?
- Intimacy
- Passion
- Commitment
The combination of these components defines different types of love.
What is the significance of the positive:negative interaction ratio in stable couples?
Stable couples have a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative interactions
This ratio is indicative of relationship health.
What are the Four Horsemen of the Marriage Apocalypse according to Gottman?
- Contempt
- Criticism
- Defensiveness
- Stonewalling
These behaviors are predictors of relationship failure.
What does the term ‘interdependence theory’ refer to?
Interpersonal relationships are governed by perceptions of the rewards and costs exchanged in interactions
This theory helps explain relationship satisfaction.
What is the definition of marriage?
The legally and socially sanctioned union of sexually intimate adults
Traditionally includes economic interdependence, common residence, and shared responsibility for children.
What is monogamy?
The practice of having only one spouse at a time
This is contrasted with polygamy, where more than one spouse is permitted.
What are the vulnerable areas in modern marriage?
- Gaps in role expectations
- Communication patterns
These areas can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in marriage.
What is the impact of divorce on children?
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Nightmares, dependency
- Aggression, withdrawal
- Lowered academic performance
- Reduced physical health
- Precocious sexual behavior
- Substance abuse
Children may face various emotional and behavioral issues following a divorce.
What is the relationship between attachment styles and relationship outcomes?
Securely attached people have more committed, satisfying, and well-adjusted relationships
Attachment styles influence interpersonal dynamics significantly.
What is the difference between emotional loneliness and social loneliness?
- Emotional loneliness: absence of an intimate attachment figure
- Social loneliness: lack of a friendship network
These types of loneliness can affect individuals differently.
What are the characteristics of securely attached individuals?
They have more committed, satisfying, interdependent, and well-adjusted relationships
Secure attachment is associated with better mental health.
What factors influence whether someone stays in a relationship according to social exchange theory?
A cost-benefit analysis of the relationship’s outcome
If rewards outweigh costs, individuals are likely to remain in the relationship.
What is the significance of reciprocal liking in relationship viability?
Refers to liking those who show that they like you
This concept applies to both friendships and romantic relationships.
What is the role of similarity in attraction?
We are drawn to those with similar qualities
Similar attitudes play a key role in forming connections.
What is the effect of cohabitation on future marriage success?
Cohabitation is associated with increases in marital discord
It is often viewed as a trial for marriage, but can lead to challenges.
What are the predictors of marital status?
- Family background
- Age
- Length of courtship
- Quality of premarital interaction
- Personality traits
These factors can significantly influence marital outcomes.
Define date rape.
Forced and unwanted intercourse in the context of dating
It can occur in various dating scenarios and has serious psychological consequences.
What are common reasons individuals stay in abusive relationships?
- Fear of economic hardship
- Lack of alternative living situations
- Guilt and shame
- Fear of increased abuse
These factors contribute to the difficulty of leaving an abusive situation.
What is the definition of loneliness?
Occurs when a person has fewer interpersonal relationships than desired or when these relationships are not as satisfying as desired
Loneliness can manifest in different forms, affecting various demographics.
What is the impact of self-defeating attributional style on social interactions?
Thinking negatively about social situations can lead to behaviors that confirm negative expectations
This style perpetuates feelings of loneliness.
What is sexual identity?
The complex personal qualities and self-perceptions that guide one’s sexual behavior, including attitudes, values, and preferences.
Define heterosexuals.
Individuals who seek emotional and sexual relationships with members of the opposite gender.
Define homosexuals.
Individuals who seek emotional and sexual relationships with members of the same gender.
Define bisexuals.
Individuals who seek emotional and sexual relationships with members of both genders.
What is absolutism in sexual values and ethics?
The belief that sexual activity should only occur within a committed relationship (e.g., marriage).
What is relativism in sexual values and ethics?
The belief that sexual activity is appropriate depending on the relationship context.
What is hedonism in sexual values and ethics?
The belief that any sexual activity is fine as long as it feels good.
What are erotic preferences?
What an individual finds sexually desirable, influencing attraction and sexual behavior.
How do hormones influence sexual drive?
Hormones such as testosterone in males and estrogen in females influence sexual drive and behavior.
What is the role of family influence in sexual identity development?
The way children are raised plays a critical role in shaping sexual attitudes.
What negative impact can punitive responses to early sexual exploration have?
They can lead to feelings of guilt and shame about sex.
How can peer influence affect sexual attitudes?
Peers are a main source of information about sexuality, which is often inaccurate and promotes unhealthy sexual values.
What is the effectiveness of abstinence-only sex education?
It is often ineffective in deterring sexual activity.
What influence does religion have on sexual values?
Religion can dictate sexual values, influencing perceptions of what is acceptable.
True or False: Virginity pledges in religious contexts are highly effective in maintaining sexual abstinence.
False.
What is a common stereotype about men and women regarding sexuality?
Men should be more sexual than women, promoting hypersexuality in men and repressing sexual expression in women.
How do men and women differ in sexual behaviors?
Men are more likely to engage in casual sex, while women often associate sex with emotional connection.
What is sexual orientation typically viewed as?
A binary, with heterosexuality at one end and homosexuality at the other.
What is the spectrum of sexuality?
A 7-point scale representing sexual orientation diversity from exclusively heterosexual to exclusively homosexual.
What percentage of the population reports some degree of homosexual identity?
Approximately 3-11%.
What are the types of relationships outside of a committed relationship?
- Hooking up
- Friends with benefits
What is the correlation between sexual satisfaction and relationship stability for men?
The more sexually satisfied a man is, the more stable the relationship is.
How does relationship satisfaction correlate with stability for women?
Women’s satisfaction in the relationship is a better predictor of overall relationship stability.
What is the frequency of sex in marriages?
Ranges from two to three times per week to about once a month.
How frequently do gay males engage in sex compared to other couples?
They tend to engage in sex more frequently than other couples.
What is the prevalence of infidelity among married couples?
26-50% experience sexual infidelity at some point.
What motivates men for infidelity?
Increased variety in sex or more frequent sexual encounters.
What motivates women for infidelity?
Emotional dissatisfaction in the relationship or desire for greater intimacy.
What are common physical causes of sexual dysfunction?
- Illness
- Medication
- Use of alcohol and drugs
What is erectile dysfunction?
The inability to maintain an erection.
What is premature ejaculation?
Ejaculation occurring too early during intercourse.
What is hypoactive sexual desire?
Reduced or absent sexual desire.
What treatment options are available for sexual dysfunction?
- Counseling
- Medication
- Addressing underlying medical conditions
What is the most common STI in the U.S.?
HPV.
What should couples consider for effective contraception?
- Defining themselves as sexually active
- Knowledge about fertility and conception
- Joint responsibility in choosing a method
