COMM 1000 1nd Edition Lecture 11 Outline of Last Lecture I. Situations Modify AttractionII. ContextsA. ConfirmationB. DisconfirmationIII. ClimatesA. Supportiveness & DefensivenessB. Affection & ControlC. Chilling EffectIV. Knapp’s Life Cycle ModelA. Gradual Relationship GrowthB. Relational De-escalationV. Sudden Death Vs. Fading AwayVI. Reasons for DissolutionVII. Duck’s StageOutline of Current Lecture VIII. Maintaining RelationshipsIX. Becoming a FamilyThese 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.X. DivorceXI. ConflictXII. Levels of ConflictA. IntrapersonalB. InterpersonaC. IntragroupD. IntergroupXIII. Stage of ConflictXIV.Kilmann and Thomas Model of Conflict ResolutionA. AvoidanceCurrent LectureMaintaining Relationships is Work-A. Relationship maintenance is the process of maintaining close (intimacy) and satisfying relationshipsB. Often fail to realize relationships require work C. Strategies include disclosures, expressions of commitment, constructive conflict, and even lyingD. Maintenance is achieved primarily through talk1. Even “trivial” talk is important (theory?)2. Meanings are created and shared through this talkE. Openness is cyclical (partners match each other’s levels of openness)1. Mutual openness is linked to satisfaction2. Cycles fluctuate more if the relationship is deterioratingF. Intimacy through personal idiom (pet names, secret sex words, private codes)G. Playful communication may promote intimacy and help in managing difficult situationsH. Researchers identify five maintenance strategies in romantic relationships1. Positivity (being cooperative, optimistic, not criticizing)2. Openness (encouraging and providing self-disclosure)3. Assurance (stressing commitment to the other)4. Networks (spending time with common friends)5. Tasks (sharing tasks jointly)**For every one negative thing you do in your relationship you need to do five positive things to make up for itBecoming a Family-Baxter & Braithewaite discuss five properties:A. Long term commitmentB. Connections created through biology, law or affectionC. Enmeshed in a kinship organizationD. Continuing interdependenceE. InstitutionalizationResulting definition of family as a social group of two or more persons, characterized by ongoing interdependence with long-term commitments that stem from blood, law or affectionDivorce-• Half of all divorces occur within first seven years• Divorce is increasing in the over 50 age group, most often initiated by women • Half of all marriages in the U.S are remarriages for at least one partnerChapter 6: Conflict and Negotiation-Conflict Defined-Conflict is defined as “an expressed struggle between at least two interdependent parties who perceive incompatible goals, scarce resources, and interference from others in achieving their goalsA. Expressed struggle-the need for the exchange of messagesB. Interdependence-actions of one party must affect the otherC. Perceived incompatible goals-goals need not be truly different, only be perceived as suchD. Perceived scarce resources-again, resources may be truly limited or simply seen as limiteda. “Scarcity mentality” thinks that “your gain is my loss”b. “Abundance mentality” thinks that there is plenty to go around and that all can benefitE. Perceived interference-see other party as a barrier to reaching goalsLevels of Conflict-Intrapersonal refers to conflicting states within an individual- May not qualify as a true conflict because there is only one party- Evidence suggests: more likely to engage in conflicts with othersInterpersonal refers to conflict between people- Most basic unit of conflict- Parties usually communicate directly (or over computer/phone)- Most common type of workplace conflictIntragroup conflict occurs within a single group- Self-awareness- Self-management- Social awareness- Relationships management- This may be especially true of groups with cultural differences- Study of Chinese and U.S. conflict among friends and strangerso In the U.S., less conflict with stranger/also led to poorer performanceo Also greater comfort with conflict in U.S. groups of friends led to better performanceo Performance of Chinese groups of friends and strangers suffered with conflictIntergroup conflict occurs between groups- At this level, representatives are often used to communicate- This is likely the most complicated level of conflicto Difficult to think about common goals- This can include conflict between civilizations or large ethnic groupso Issues of inclusion in the European Union and NATO expansion are practical examples of such issuesStages of Conflict-A. Latent conflict and emergence1. Opposing goals/potential conflict2. Trigger event creates more overt conflict3. Listening can prevent development of conflicta. Avoid misinterpretation of verbal symbolsb. Read body language carefullyB. Escalation and resolution1. Once overt, conflict often escalates2. Stalemate often the result3. Even resolved conflicts have pitfallsC. Stages can varyKilmann and Thomas (win or lose) Model of Conflict ResolutionAvoidance (no win?-no lose?)Avoidance strategies seek to avoid dealing with conflict1. Avoidance strategies include:a. Denial (deny that a problem exists)b. Underresponsiveness (fail to acknowledge a problem)c. Shifting/avoiding topicsd. Semantic focus (focus on words instead of issues)e. Postponement (agree to delay discussion of problem)2. Advantages of avoidance include prevention of potential escalation of the conflict3. Disadvantages of avoidance include lack of resolution of conflict, increased tension and potential for