Chapter 9 - Communicating in Close Relationships

Question 1

Attraction Theory

Answer 1

A theory that explains the primary forces that draw people together.

Question 2

Proximity

Answer 2

How physically close one is to others.

Question 3

Attractiveness

Answer 3

The appeal one person has for another, based on physical appearance, personalities, and/or behavior.

Question 4

Matching Hypothesis

Answer 4

The tendency to develop relationships with people who are approximately as attractive as we are.

Question 5

Similarity

Answer 5

Degree to which people share the same values, interests, and background.

Question 6

Social Penetration Theory

Answer 6

A theory that proposed relationships develop through increases in self-disclosure.

Question 7

Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Answer 7

A theory that argues relationship development is facilitated or derailed by participants’ efforts to reduce their uncertainty about each other.

Question 8

Predicted Outcome Theory

Answer 8

A theory that attempts to explain how reducing uncertainty can lead to attraction or repulsion.

Question 9

Knapp’s Stage Model

Answer 9

Model of relationship development that views relationships as occurring in “stages”” and that focuses on how people communicate as relationships develop and decline.

Question 10

Initiating

Answer 10

Stage of romantic relational development in which both people behave so as to appear pleasant and likable.

Question 11

Experimenting

Answer 11

Stage of romantic relational development in which both people seek to learn about each other.

Question 12

Intensifying

Answer 12

Stage of romantic relational development in which both people seek to increase intimacy and connectedness.

Question 13

Integrating

Answer 13

Stage of romantic relational development in which both people pretrade themselves as a couple.

Question 14

Bonding

Answer 14

Stage of romantic relational development characterized by public commitment.

Question 15

Differentiating

Answer 15

Stage of romantic relational dissolution in which couples increase their interpersonal distance.

Question 16

Circumscribing

Answer 16

Stage of romantic relational dissolution in which couples discuss safe topics.

Question 17

Stagnating

Answer 17

Stage of romantic relational dissolution in which couples try to prevent change.

Question 18

Avoiding

Answer 18

Stage of romantic relational dissolution in which couples try not to interact with each other.

Question 19

Terminating

Answer 19

Stage of romantic relational dissolution in which couples end the relationship.

Question 20

Relational Trajectory Models

Answer 20

Relationship development models that view relationship development as more variable than do stage models.

Question 21

Turning Point Model

Answer 21

A model of relationship development in which couples move both toward and away from commitment over the course of the relationship.

Question 22

Relational Maintenance

Answer 22

Behaviors that couples perform to help maintain their relationships.

Question 23

Passing Away

Answer 23

The process by which relationships decline over time.

Question 24

Sudden Death

Answer 24

The process by which relationships end without prior warning for at least one participant.

Question 25

Withdrawal/Avoidance

Answer 25

A friendship termination strategy in which friends spend less time together, don’t return phone calls, and avoid places where they are likely to see each other.

Question 26

Machiavellian Tactics

Answer 26

Having a third-party convey one’s unhappiness about a relationship.

Question 27

Deception

Answer 27

Concealment, distortion, or lying in communication.

Question 28

Truth Bias

Answer 28

The tendency to not suspect one’s intimates of deception.

Question 29

Jealousy

Answer 29

A complex and often painful emotion that occurs when a person perceives a threat to an existing relationship.

Question 30

Interpersonal Violence

Answer 30

Physical violence against a partner or child.

Question 31

Sexual Coercion

Answer 31

Physically nonviolent pressure to engage in unwanted sex.

Question 32

Homogeneity

Answer 32

A high degree of similarity.

Question 33

Hurtful Messages

Answer 33

Messages that criticize, tease, reject, or otherwise cause emotional injury to another.