Chat with AIExam 7: A: Developing and Maintaining Relationships
In what ways are online relationships similar to and different from face-to-face relationships? Considering what you have learned about both hyperpersonal communication as well as the importance of self-disclosure, what recommendations do you have for people who are engaging in online communication to ensure they develop the healthy relationships they desire?
(37) 
VerifiedIdeal answers will recognize that online relationships typically develop similarly to the way face-to-face relationships do. Strong answers will discuss both the new opportunities the medium offers for us to communicate with people who are not physically present and how the limitations of the channel create challenges to the communication process and to our perception of the other person. Specific attention should be given to the topics of self-disclosure and how online communication may influence our perception of topic appropriateness, as well as to strategies for managing private information and avoiding inappropriate topics.
How does developing and maintaining strong interpersonal relationships enhance the quality of our lives?
(33) VerifiedIdeal answers will discuss each of the functions of relationships. They provide us with companionship and stimulation and help us to achieve goals. Strong answers might also focus attention on the role family plays in shaping the way we learn to connect with others later on in our lives and on the evidence that says that children who lack successful friendships are at greater risk academically and are more likely to have behavior problems. Finally, answers may synthesize information from previous chapters related to such concepts as self-concept and self-esteem.
You have learned that while effective communication can enhance relationships, ineffective or inappropriate communication can hinder or even destroy a relationship. Synthesizing what you have learned from this chapter and others, provide advice about what relational partners should and should not do in each stage of relationship development from initiation through the declining stage.
(27) VerifiedAnswers will vary, but strong answers will make some of the following connections: •Initiation stage: Recognize the role physical appearance plays at this stage and that it is not only a function of physical attributes but also of the way a person communicates. •Exploratory stage: Avoid significant self-disclosure and opt for the use of monitoring and indirect strategies for gaining information about the other person, because uncertainty reduction is a primary function of our communication at this stage. Keep cultural rules in mind to assist in determining whether information is appropriate to disclose at this stage. Communicate honestly and politely avoid topics that you are not comfortable discussing. •Intensification stage: It is less risky at this stage to use direct strategies for learning information about the other, and self-disclosure will be deeper than before; a willingness to disclose and the ability to listen empathically and respond appropriately will help the relationship move to a deeper level. Dialectical tensions may begin to strain the relationship at this point, and that may require open and honest conversation between partners as they negotiate those challenges. Emphasize feelings of caring, loyalty, trust, and sensitivity to ensure that communication continues to enhance the relationship.
Explain the challenge that the three dialectical tensions discussed in the textbook present within an interpersonal relationship. Provide a real example from your own observation to illustrate the strain of each dialectical tension, and offer suggestions for what the couple could do to resolve the challenge.
(28) How do the partners in a relationship use communication to reduce uncertainty? Use one of your own experiences or a hypothetical narrative example to illustrate how one or both partners would use specific communication strategies to reduce their level of uncertainty.
(34) Describe the elements of interpersonal attraction that influence our decision whether or not to develop an interpersonal relationship with another person. How have communication technologies and mobility changed the way these elements function? Reflecting on what you've learned about intergroup contact theory, why might we say it is a good thing that these changes have taken place? Provide a narrative example to illustrate how these factors influenced your choice to form one of your close friendships or romantic relationships.
(40) Lilly and her significant other have been having trouble lately. She had hoped that they were just going through a rough patch, but now she's starting to wonder if their relationship is, indeed, in serious decline. What tactics can Lilly use to repair her relationship? Make sure to explain each strategy and provide concrete examples to illustrate your ideas.
(39) One of your friends has recently dissolved her marriage. Your friend and her spouse have one child, and your friend sincerely hopes that the two of them can repair the relationship. Synthesizing what you have learned throughout this chapter, what would you explain to your friend to help her understand the role communication might play in the redefining and repairing of her relationship? Considering that your friend has a child, what additional advice might you have for her?
Answer Key
(34) Using one of your own terminated or reconciled relationships-either a friendship or a romantic relationship-discuss its progression through the stages of relationship development from initiation through termination. Provide specific examples to illustrate the types of interpersonal communication that were common in each stage.
(25) What role does self-disclosure play in the development and maintenance of an interpersonal relationship? Discuss the ways that inappropriate disclosure might hinder the relationship as well as how appropriate disclosure enhances the relationship.
(39) 
Filters
- Essay(0)
- Multiple Choice(0)
- Short Answer(0)
- True False(0)
- Matching(0)