Exam 8: Communication Climate: the Foundation of Personal Relationships

Research indicates that in general the least effective and least satisfying response to the tension generated by relational dialectics is to:

Investments are what we put into relationships that we could not retrieve if the relationship were to end.

Men and women, as groups, self-disclose with equal frequency and depth.

Natalie will always ask her roommate, what she is doing this weekend, because she wants her roommate to help her with her schoolwork. After a while, her roommate realizes that she is using this strategy.

Understanding communication climates will give you insight into why you feel relaxed and comfortable in some of your relationships and uneasy and defensive in others.

Baxter (1990) has identified four ways partners handle the tension generated by opposing needs. Name and give an example of each way partners negotiate dialectical tensions.

All of the following are supportive communication EXCEPT:

Nora tells Dan that she needs help with a computer problem rather than saying "would you do something for me if I told you it really mattered?" By asking her help and saying "I really need help with the computer glitch", she is using this strategy.

When we perceive ourselves as investing more than our partner, we tend to be dissatisfied and resentful. When we perceive our partner as investing more than we are, we may feel guilty. Thus, perceived inequity erodes satisfaction and communication.

Building on the research of Buber and Laing, communication scholars have identified three levels of communication that (dis)confirm others. Distinguish among the three levels by providing a definition and an example of a disconfirming and confirming statement for each level. For extra credit, explain why Buber felt confirmation is so important to our interpersonal lives.

On the continuum of interpersonal climates, the middle between confirming and disconfirming climates is known as ____.

Using Gibb's categories of communication behaviors, describe the climate of this class. Be sure to include specific examples of each type of communication you perceive as affecting the classroom climate.

Reciprocity of self-disclosures is especially important after a relationship has become established.

The tensions of relational dialectics keep relationships stagnant because they increase interpersonal friction and stress.

The counterpoint to superiority is ____.

The counterpoint to strategy is ____.

This type of communication does not evaluate others of what they think or feel.

In interpersonal relationships it is as important to affirm and accept yourself as to affirm and accept others.

Men generally talk more about personal feelings, especially their shortcoming or self-doubts.

Distinguish between love and commitment. Then explain how each is communicated and how it affects relationships between people.