COMM 315 1st Edition Lecture 16 Outline of Last Lecture I. Exam Review Outline of Current Lecture I. Interpersonal Relationships DefinedII. Relational EscalationIII. Genesis of Interpersonal Relationship: AttractionIV. Stages of Interpersonal Relationship DevelopmentCurrent LectureChapter 9: Understanding Interpersonal Relationships- Interpersonal Relationships Definedo Relationship- connection established when we communicate with another persono Interpersonal relationship- perception shared by two people of an ongoing interdependent connection that results in the development of relational expectations and varies in interpersonal intimacy.o Shared perception-  To be in an interpersonal relationship, both individuals must share a perception that they have an ongoing relationship. Interpersonal relationships are transactionalo Ongoing interdependent connection Harry Potter Clipo Relational expectations As you continue to interact and develop your relationships, you also form relational expectations.  Sometimes, expectations are violated, which can create turmoil in the relationship.  The presence of expectations helps reduce uncertaintyo Interpersonal intimacy Interpersonal intimacy- degree to which relational partners mutually accept and confirm each other’s sense of selfThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute. As self disclosure and closeness increase, partners become more and more dependent upon each other to provide this confirmation We communicate our sense of intimacy to others both directly, through our words, and indirectly, through actions. In these types of relationships, the other person knows our strengths and weaknesses and still accepts us.o Circumstance or choice Relationships of circumstance- interpersonal relationship that exists because of life circumstances (who your family members are, where you work or study, and so on) Relationship of choice- interpersonal relationship you choose to initiate, maintain, and perhaps, terminate We act and communicate differently in the two types of relationships because the stakes are different. In some sense, all relationships begin by circumstance; through circumstance, we become aware of another person.o Power Relationships require merging needs and styles, negotiating how decisions are made that affect both partners, and managing inevitable interpersonal conflicts Complementary relationships- Complementary relationship- relationship in which power is divided unevenly, with one partner dominating and the other submitting Competitive and submissive symmetrical relationship- Symmetrical relationship- relationship in which both partners behave toward power in the same way, either both wanting poweror both avoiding it- Competitive symmetrical relationship- relationship in which both people vie for power and control of decision making- Submissive symmetrical relationship- relationship in which neither partner wants to take control or make decisions Parallel relationships- Parallel relationship- relationship in which power shifts back and forth between the partners, depending on the situationo Continuum of interpersonal intimacy and friendshipStranger <->Acquaintance <-> Casual Friend <-> Friend <-> Close Friend <-> Best Friend/Spouse- Relational Escalationo 7 qualities of intimate relationships 1. Interaction increases in 2.  3. As the relationship escalates you can predict the person’s behavior 4. Investing their time and money in the relationship 5. Interdependence and a sense of “Us” increasing 6. Partners believe their separate interests contribute to the well being of the relationship 7. Positive affect and sense of caring, commitment and trust increaseso Advantages of escalation Positively affects an individual’s personal welfare - Communal welfare- satisfaction, - Agentic welfare- self esteem, identity and actualization Helps achieve personal goals Satisfaction of interpersonal needs- Inclusion- the need to be apart of someone else’s world - Control- need to direct other or be directed - Affection- the need to express or receive affection  Achieving understanding of the other person Reduce uncertainty about the other persono Disadvantages of escalation Leave you exposed venerable Abandoned relationship = feeling hurt Leaves you open to interpersonal aggression Lose a certain amount of control over your life Fear their own destructive side- Genesis of Interpersonal Relationship: Attractiono Attraction acts as the catalyst or the beginning of interpersonal relationshipso Interpersonal attraction-degree to which you want to form or maintain an interpersonal relationshipo Short-term initial attraction- degree to which you sense a potential for developing an interpersonal relationship. You may or may not act on that attractiono Long-term maintenance attraction- degree of liking or positive feelings that motivate us to maintain or escalate a relationship. Helps us learn information about others that either fosters or diminishes our long-term maintenance attraction to them.o Predicted outcome value theory (POV)- people predict the value of a relationship based on initial self-assessment compared to the potential costs and rewards of the relationship. o Sources of initial attraction Proximity- physical nearness to another that promotes communication and thus attraction Physical appearance- nonverbal cues that allow us to assess relationship potentialo Sources of both initial and long term attraction Competence- the quality of being skilled, intelligent, charismatic, and credible Self disclosure- Revealing more information that can allow a person to feel closer to another- Self-disclosing needs to be appropriate for the level of intimacy. If you reveal things too quickly, it scares people off. Reciprocation of liking- liking those who like us- Displaying attraction toward another person seems to have the greatest impact if it is perceived by the other person as being uniquely directed toward him or her, rather than as a general, indiscriminate display of interest in everyone (not being very choosy) Similarities- Similarity- having comparable personalities, values, upbringing, personal experiences, attitudes, and interests- The main reason for placing