Page 175 - Essentials of Human Communication

154 ChApteR 7 Interpersonal Relationships

8. Work relationships can be productive (networking and communication patterns, using cherishing behav-
mentoring), destructive (bullying), and both positive and iors, and adopting a positive action program.
negative (office romance). 4. I can deal with relationship dissolution and apply
9. Online-only relationships have their own sets of rules to such skills as breaking the loneliness-depression
promote more effective interaction. cycle, bolstering self-esteem, and seeking support.
5. I understand the different types of friendships and
theories of interpersonal Communication and can identify the goals that each type serves.
Relationships
6. I understand the different types of love and can ap-
10. Attraction depends on such factors as physical and person- preciate the varied ways in which people can love.
ality attractiveness, similarity (especially attitudinal), rein- 7. I understand the varied types of primary relation-
forcement, proximity, and reciprocity of liking. ships and families and can see the similarities and
11. The relationship rules theory views relationships as held differences among them.
together through adherence to an agreed on set of rules. 8. I can communicate effectively in the workplace.
12. Social exchange theory holds that you develop relation- 9. I follow the rules for effective communication in
ships that yield the greatest profits. You seek relationships online communication.
in which the rewards exceed the costs and are likely to dis- 10. I can effectively manage physical proximity, rein-
solve relationships when the costs exceed the rewards.
forcement, and emphasizing similarities as ways
13. Equity theory claims that you develop and maintain rela- to increase interpersonal attractiveness.
tionships in which the rewards are distributed in propor- 11. I can apply the rules of friendship, romantic rela-
tion to costs. When your share of the rewards is less than tionships, family relationships, and work relation-
would be demanded by equity, you are likely to experi- ships as appropriate.
ence dissatisfaction and exit the relationship.
12. I can identify, and to some extent control, the re-
Throughout this discussion of interpersonal relationships, wards and costs of my relationships.
a variety of relationship skills were discussed. Place a check 13. I can appreciate the other person’s perception of
mark next to those skills that you feel you want to work on relationship equity and can modify my own be-
most.
havior to make the relationship more productive
and satisfying.
1. I adjust my communication patterns on the basis
of the relationship’s intimacy. 14. I understand the differences between face-to-face
and online relationships and can modify my be-
2. I can identify changes in communication patterns havior accordingly.
that may signal deterioration.
15. I take into consideration the advantages and dis-
3. I can use the accepted repair strategies to heal an advantages of workplace romantic relationships.
ailing relationship: for example, reversing negative

key Word Quiz

the language of interpersonal e. agapic love (144)
Communication, Conversation, f. social exchange theory (152)
and Relationships g. equity theory (152)
Match the terms about interpersonal communication/rela- h. online-only relationships (147)
tionships with their definitions. Record the number of the i. storge love (144)
definition next to the appropriate term. j. involvement (144)
a. cherishing behaviors (142) 1. A friendship of loyalty and mutual affection.
b. deterioration (141) 2. An important stage between contact and intimacy.
c. reciprocity (143) 3. A theory claiming that you experience relational
d. family types (145) satisfaction when there is an equal distribution of