BSCOM/234

Week Four Content Outline

BSCOM/234 Version 2

Week Four Content Outline

TOPIC and Objectives

Relationships

Explain the importance of attraction and power in interpersonal relationships.
Explain how interpersonal relationships develop.

Create a strategy for maintaining interpersonal relationships.

Content outline

1. Interpersonal relationships defined
  1. Distinctive form of communication
  2. Mutual influence between individuals
2. How relationships develop: attraction
  1. Relationships of circumstance
  2. Relationships of choice
  3. Interpersonal attraction
    1. Short-term initial attraction
    2. Long-term maintenance attraction
    3. Predicted outcome value
3. Factors leading to short-term initial attraction
  1. Proximity
  2. Physical appearance
4. Factors leading to both short-term and long-term attraction
  1. Credibility, competence, and intelligence
  2. Self-disclosure and reciprocation of liking
  3. Similarity
  4. Differences and complementary needs
5. Power in interpersonal relationships
  1. Principles of interpersonal power
    1. Power exists in all interactions and relationships.
    2. Power derives from an individual’s ability to meet another person’s needs.
    3. Both parties in an ongoing relationship have some degree of power.
    4. Power is circumstantial.
    5. Relationship development involves negotiations of each person’s power.
  2. Types of power relationships

Complementary
Symmetric
Parallel relationships

1. 1. Types of interpersonal power
    1. Legitimate
    2. Referent
    3. Expert
    4. Reward
    5. Coercive
2. Stages of interpersonal relationships
  1. Stranger
  2. Acquaintance
  3. Friend
  4. Close friend
  5. Best friend, partner, or spouse
3. Relational escalation
  1. Pre-interaction awareness
  2. Acquaintance
  3. Exploration
  4. Intensification
  5. Intimacy
4. Relational de-escalation
  1. Turmoil or stagnation
  2. De-intensification
  3. Individualization
  4. Separation
  5. Post-separation effects
5. Theories of interpersonal relationship development
  1. Social exchange theory
  2. Dialectical theory
  3. Social penetration theory and self-disclosure
6. Strategies and skills for managing interpersonal relationships
  1. Strategies and skills used primarily for initiation
    1. Observe and act upon approachability cues.
    2. Follow initiation norms.
    3. Identify and use conversation starters.
    4. Ask questions.
    5. Do not expect too much from initial attraction.
  2. Strategies and skills used primarily for escalation
    1. Communicate and cultivate attraction.
    2. Use self-disclosure appropriately.
    3. Gather information.
    4. Monitor perceptions.
    5. Listen actively and respond with confirmation.
    6. Socially de-center.
  3. Strategies and skills used primarily for maintenance
    1. Express emotions.
    2. Provide comfort and social support.
    3. Engage in relationship talk.
    4. Be tolerant and show restraint.
    5. Manage conflict cooperatively