Understanding Relationships

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the MOST accurate definition of a relationship, according to the content?

  • A static agreement where expectations remain unchanged over time.
  • A connection based solely on shared physical space or circumstance.
  • A superficial association characterized by minimal reliance on each other.
  • An ongoing interdependent connection where partners affect each other simultaneously. (correct)

If two people have different ideas about the nature of their relationship, which condition is NOT met?

  • Shared perception (correct)
  • Relational expectations
  • Interpersonal intimacy
  • Ongoing interdependent connection

Which theory suggests that relationship satisfaction is highest when each person's ratio of rewards to costs is roughly equal?

  • Social Exchange Theory
  • Relationship Rules Theory
  • Attraction Theory
  • Equity Theory (correct)

According to relational expectations, what is the MOST likely outcome if one partner consistently violates specific expectations formed between them?

<p>Conflict within the relationship (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of interpersonal power dynamics, what differentiates a complementary relationship from a symmetrical relationship?

<p>The way power is distributed and enacted. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what stage of relationship development does increased physical contact and shared intimate disclosures become more common?

<p>Intensification Stage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily influences initial attraction between individuals?

<p>Proximity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which stage of relationship de-escalation is turmoil or stagnation MOST likely to occur?

<p>Stages (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Social Exchange Theory, what would MOST likely cause a person to leave their current relationship?

<p>The perception that an alternative relationship offers higher profits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'breadth' refer to in the context of Social Penetration Theory?

<p>The quantity of topics discussed in a relationship. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which BEST describes an 'ongoing interdependent connection' in a relationship?

<p>Partners affect each other simultaneously. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does uncertainty reduction theory become MOST relevant in a relationship?

<p>When expectations are violated. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What BEST characterizes a symmetrical relationship?

<p>Partners behave toward power the same way. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT considered a source of both initial and long-term attraction?

<p>Proximity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which relationship stage do partners highly personalize and synchronize their communication?

<p>Intimacy Stage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key event is MOST likely to occur during the de-intensification stage of a relationship?

<p>Partners decrease their dependence on each other. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is MOST important to remember about the stages of relationships?

<p>You can choose to remain in a stage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory centers on the idea that people in relationships experience ongoing tension between different desires, such as wanting both closeness and independence?

<p>Relationship Dialectics Theory (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Politeness Theory, what happens when positive and negative face needs are NOT met?

<p>Relationships become strained due to unmet needs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Social Penetration Theory, what does 'depth' refer to?

<p>How personal and intimate the shared information is. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Relationship

A connection defined by shared perception and ongoing interdependence.

Shared Perception

The idea that people must both perceive an ongoing relationship for it to exist.

Interdependent Connection

The reliance each partner has on the other to meet their needs, affecting each other simultaneously in a dynamic and changing manner.

Relational Expectations

The specific expectations formed between partners, constantly evolving and impacted by uncertainty reduction theory; conflict can arise if expectations are violated.

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Interpersonal Intimacy & Affection

The mutual confirmation, valuation, and acceptance of each other's sense of self, reflected in affectionate communication.

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Relationships of Circumstance

Relationships that form simply because our lives overlap with others' (e.g., classmates, neighbors).

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Relationships of Choice

Relationships that are intentionally sought out and developed.

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Complementary Relationships

Relationships where power is divided unevenly; one partner dominates.

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Symmetrical Relationships

Relationships where both partners behave toward power the same way.

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Initial Attraction

Feeling drawn to someone initially due to physical closeness and how they look.

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Long-Term Attraction

Feeling drawn to someone over time because of their skills, honesty, and shared interests.

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Preinteraction Awareness Stage

Using passive strategies to gain information and form initial impressions of someone during the first stage of relationship escalation.

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Acquaintance Stage

Building from positive initial impressions to interact more safely/superficially with casual banter, which is the 2nd stage of relationship escalation.

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Exploration Stage

Sharing more in-depth information and having increasing communication as a limited physical experience together escalates.

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Intensification Stage

Relying on a partner for self-confirmation, risking deeper self-disclosure, and spending more time together escalate the relationship.

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Intimacy Stage

Sharing intimate disclosures, confirming and accepting each other, highly personal and synchronized communication with increased physical closeness deepens the relationship.

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Relationship Rules Theory

The theory that relationships are maintained when rules are followed, and face trouble when rules are broken.

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Social Exchange Theory

The theory that Relationships develop and are maintained when rewards exceed costs.

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Equity Theory

The theory that relationships are satisfying when each person’s rewards are proportional to their costs.

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Politeness Theory

The theory that relationships are satisfying when positive and negative face needs are met.

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Study Notes

Relationship Defined

  • A relationship involves a shared perception that both people recognize an ongoing connection
  • A stronger relationship is formed with similar perceptions
  • Both partners in a relationship affect each other concurrently
  • Partners depend on each other to fulfill needs
  • Relationships are dynamic and continuously evolve

Relational Expectations

  • Partners form specific expectations that are constantly evolving
  • Uncertainty reduction theory exists in relational expectations
  • Conflict arises should expectations be unmet

Interpersonal Intimacy and Affection

  • Partners mutually acknowledge, appreciate, and embrace each other's sense of self
  • Affectionate communication demonstrates the level of intimacy

Circumstance vs. Choice

  • Relationships of circumstance develop organically due to overlapping lives
  • Relationships of choice are intentionally sought and cultivated

Power Dynamics

  • Complementary relationships feature an uneven distribution of power
  • One partner often dominates in complementary relationships
  • Symmetrical relationships occur when both partners relate to power in a similar manner

Sources of Initial Attraction

  • Proximity is a factor in initial attraction
  • Physical appearance can contribute to initial attraction

Sources of Initial and Long-Term Attraction

  • Competence
  • Self-disclosure
  • Reciprocation of liking
  • Similarities
  • Differences and complementary needs

Escalation: Preinteraction Stage

  • Passive strategies are used to gather information
  • Initial impressions are formed
  • Some relationships will develop while others will not

Escalation: Acquaintance Stage

  • This stage results from positive impressions
  • Initial interactions tend to be safe and superficial
  • Includes introductions and casual conversation
  • Many relationships remain at the acquaintance stage

Escalation: Exploration Stage

  • Begins with sharing more in-depth information
  • Communication becomes more frequent and easier
  • Includes limited physical contact and time spent together

Escalation: Intensification Stage

  • Partners start depending on each other for self-confirmation
  • Riskier self-disclosure is present
  • There is closer physical distance and more physical contact

Escalation: Intimacy Stage

  • Intimate disclosures are shared
  • Partners acknowledge and accept each other’s sense of self
  • Communication becomes highly personal and synchronized
  • Physical contact increases while physical distance decreases
  • This stage may involve defining and formalizing the relationship

De-Escalation Stages

  • Turmoil or stagnation can lead to de-escalation
  • Deintensification
  • Individualization
  • Separation
  • Post-separation effects

Principles of Stages

  • Individuals have the option to stay in one stage
  • The rate of progression through stages varies
  • Changes in relationships are signaled by turning points that are either casual or reflective
  • Relationships can move forward, backward, or restart stages
  • Change in relationships is achieved through negotiation

Relationship Dialectics Theory

  • Engaged individuals experience internal tensions between pairs of motives/desires that pull them in opposite directions
  • Examples of internal tensions are closedness vs. openness, autonomy vs. connection, and novelty vs. predictability

Social Exchange Theory

  • Relationships are developed to maximize profits
  • Profits defined as rewards minus costs
  • Assessments are made of current and alternative relationships
  • An individual may leave if an alternative relationship offers greater profits

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