Chapter 9-Relational Dynamics Flashcards
Need to belong theory
A theory that says each of us is born with a fundamental drive to seek form maintain and protect strong relationships
Commitment
I desire to stay in a relationship
Inter-dependents
A state in which each person’s behavior affect everyone else in that relationship
Investment
The commitment resources in our in our relationships
Dialectical tensions
Conflicts between two important but opposing needs or desires
Interpersonal attraction
Any force that draws people together to form a relationship
Physical attraction
Attraction to someone’s physical appearance
Social attraction
Attraction to someone’s personality
Uncertainty reduction theory
A theory suggesting that people are motivated to reduce their uncertainty about others
Predicted outcome value theory
A theory predicting that we form relationships when we think the effort will be worth it
Approach behaviors
Communication behaviors that signal one’s interest in getting to know someone
Avoidance behaviors
Communication behaviors that signal ones lack of interest in getting to know someone
Social exchange theory
Theory predicting that people seek to form and maintain relationships in which benefits outweigh the costs
Comparison level
Persons realistic expectations of what the person wants and thinks he or she deserves from a relationship
Comparison Level for alternatives
A person’s assessment of how good/bad his or her current relationship is, compared with other options
Over benefitted
the state in which ones relational rewards exceed ones relational costs
Under benefited
The state in which ones relational costs exceed ones relational rewards
Equity theory
Theory predicting that a good relationship is one in which in which a persons ratio of costs and rewards is equal to that of the persons partner
Relational maintenance behaviors
Behaviors used to maintain and strengthen personal relationships
Initiating stage
Stage of relationship development when people meet and interact for the 1st time
Experimenting stage
Stage of relationship development when individuals have conversations to learn more about each other
Intensifying stage
Stage of relationships development when individuals move from being acquaintances to being close friends
Integrating stage
The stage of relationship development when a deep commitment has formed, and there is a strong sense that the relationship has its own identity
Bonding stage
Stage of relationship development when people publicly announce their commitment to each other
