Interpersonal Communication and Relational Development Theories Slides by Dr. Lynette M Long for COMM 3300, Comm Theory, Culture, Films. Middle Tennessee State University

1. Interpersonal Communication and
Relational Development Theories
COMM 3300 – Long
MTSU
Spring 2012

2. Relational Development
 Earliest theories focus on self-disclosure
– Johari Window (COMM 2300)
 Increase SD = Increase intimacy
 UCR = motivation to communicate
 Several criticisms and limitations, but
useful to consider…intuitive theory

3. IPC Theory
“Social Penetration”
 Altman and Taylor – role of self-disclosure in
relational development of intimacy
– “onion model” of personality
– Breadth and depth of „layers‟ 2 b peeled
 Hypotheses
– Peripheral not personal sharing first
– Reciprocal Self-Disclosure in beginning
– Penetration slows as „core‟ is reached
– “de-penetration” = reverse of this…

4. IPC Theory
“Uncertainty Reduction”
 Communication motivated by need to reduce uncertainty
 Different Strategies yield different information…
– Passive, active, INTERACTIVE
 There are axiomatic relationships between
communication and uncertainty
– 8 variables (each links UCR and COMM)
 8 Axioms – see pp. 126-129
– Theorems = logical combinations of axioms
 Chart on p. 129
 HIGHLY PREDICTABLE OUTCOMES AND ACTIONS!!

5. Integrated Model of Relational
Development and UCR
 passive
 Cues/strategies used =  active
 inter-active
 Information gained =  description
 explanation
 understanding
 Discernment processes =  less UCR and SD =
fit to existing categories
focus = similarity
(human being)
 more UCR and SP =
revise existing categories
focus = uniqueness
(“Holden” or “Alyssa”)

6. Limitations of these theories?
 Stable predetermined “onion” self?
 Negative Connotations of
penetration/dominance
 More SD isn‟t always better
communication
 Linear vs. dialectical processes
 Intimacy in talking vs. Intimacy in doing
– Wood and Inman

7. Next Week . . .
 Reading questions due = Q3 only.
 Look over handouts and viewing guide for
“The Breakfast Club”