intercultural friendship

Nonverbal Behavior in Romantic Relationships

Some of the most telltale signs behind the success and happiness in a relationship are perhaps not by the use of words, but through the direct observation of one's nonverbal behavior. Nonverbal communication is the phenomenon behind effectively communicating without saying anything at all. These nonverbal cues are some of the most common forms of communication, whether it is through inherent body language, eye contact, posture, touch, or facial expressions. It is crucial to understand the affects of nonverbal behavior in people's closest relationships, and especially within romantic couples. There are obviously nonverbal behaviors happening all the time with romantic partners, pleasant or otherwise. It is the study of these nonverbal cues that can lead to a better understanding of how nonverbal communication influences ones romantic relationship. Do nonverbal cues change in different times of a relationship? And if so, is it because they are dissatisfied with their partners? Or is there just a sense of extreme comfort with one another? There are quite obviously countless factors that contribute to nonverbal behavior, but it is the analysis of these cues that can reveal much about a relationship. Foremost, it is important to recognize the basic studies behind nonverbal communication and how these cues are understood. It is then essential to investigate the ideas behind how nonverbal communication can completely change romantic relationships depending on a myriad of factors. Last, it is through heavy analysis of nonverbal communication in romantic relationships that one can see what needs to be further researched.

Hypothesis

The nonverbal behaviors exhibited within a relationship reveal an immense amount of truth behind the overall satisfaction and feelings within that romantic relationship. Additionally, these nonverbal cues can be evaluated to better understand how a relationship is going.

Conceptual Definitions

Independent Variable: The independent variable is the nonverbal behavior. Nonverbal behavior is quite simply the all-encompassing body language that is used as a form of communication. These nonverbal behaviors can also be identified by proxemics, kinesecs, and haptics.

Dependent Variable: The dependent variable would be the satisfaction and overall feelings toward a relationship. Satisfaction and feelings towards a relationship can be defined as the overall emotional state towards one's attachment to their romantic partner. The satisfaction towards a relationship and overall feelings are dependent variables because these components are dependent on what nonverbal behavior is being displayed.

References

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