Exam 8: Communication and Relational Dynamics

Research is now suggesting that the rise of Internet dating services could be behind weaker marriages and a decrease in interracial partnerships.

Kareem and Bill work for their municipal police force. Kareem asks Bill, "Was it just me, or do you think our supervisor is angry with us?" Bill agrees, and they discuss the issue in detail. Which self-disclosure benefit has been achieved?

If your goal is to repair a damaged relationship, an apology requires three elements. Which of the following is NOT one of the elements?

There are no risks associated with self-disclosure.

Draw a Johari Window describing your relationship with an important person in your life. Comment on which parts of yourself you keep in the "hidden" area, and explain your reasons for doing so. Describe the benefits and costs of not disclosing these parts of your personality. Next, look at the size of the "blind" area. Is the "blind" area large or small because of the amount of feedback you get from the other person, or because of the way you react to the feedback you do get? How would a window describing your partner's relationship with a mutual friend look similar to yours? Different? Explain. Are you satisfied with the kind of relationship your window reveals? If not, what could you do to change it?

The strongest influence on why people disclose seems to be how well they know the other person.

Alison asks her boyfriend Carlo how she looks in a new dress. Carlo thinks the dress is ugly and doesn't look good on her, but he doesn't want to hurt Alison's feelings. He tells her she looks beautiful in the dress. What type of lie has Carlo told?

The "Unknown" window of the Johari model represents things about yourself that another knows, but you do not.

Which of Judith Rolls's phases had two dimensions, and was easiest for those who initiated the breakup, although the breakees cried, rearranged their furniture, and read self-help books?

Hints are more direct than equivocal statements.

Jeff loves his girlfriend Julie and enjoys spending time with her; however, he also enjoys his independence and time away from Julie. This causes tension in their relationship at times. What concept does this situation illustrate?

What type of person are we usually attracted to?

Intimacy can come from intellectual sharing alone.

When Jessica and Peter first met, they really liked each other and wanted to spend all of their time together, which they did doing a variety of activities. After being together for over a year, Jessica and Peter have the same daily routine, and neither one of them is very happy about it. Which stage of relational development are they in?

Which dialectic tension is least likely to occur when a couple moves from bonding to differentiating?

Alice and Jason grew up in the same neighbourhood, went to the same school, had the same group of friends, and went to the same church. As teenagers, they developed a relationship and later married in their 20s. Which of the following is likely the reason for their relationship?

All self-disclosure leads to liking or attractiveness.

There are many reasons to lie, with one reason being to avoid conflict. An example of this is, "It's not a big deal. We can do it your way. Really."

Sandra can always predict what her partner Trevor will do when he comes home from work. Sandra is getting bored with the routine; however, she always appreciates that she can always rely on him. Which dialectic is this?

We like people who like us, even when their liking of us is insincere.