COM 111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Social Penetration Theory, Interpersonal Communication, Small Talk

• School: Pace University
• Department: Communications
• Course: COM 111
• Professor: Klein

Document Summary

Interpersonal relationships the interconnections and interdependence between 2 individuals. Interpersonal communication the exchange of verbal and nonverbal messages between two people who have a relationship and are influenced by their partner"s messages. Types of interpersonal relationships: family: a small social group bound by ties of blood, civil contract, and a commitment to care for one another, friendship: close and caring relationship between two people. Offers support, companionship: romantic relationships: include love or deep affection for and attachment to another person. Includes intimacy or closeness and understanding of a relational partner. Self-disclosure and relationships: social penetration theory (spt) how relationships move from superficial levels to levels of intimacy. Stages of a relationship (and the characteristics of communication at each stage) Many relationships don"t move beyond this stage: exploratory. Small talk to obtain superficial information (what do you do, what are you interested in) Uncertainty reduction the degree to which someone"s defences are being lowered.