Exam 9: Social and Personal Relationships

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The five relational maintenance behaviors described by Stafford and Canary are positivity, openness, assurances, social networks, and sharing tasks.

1. Positivity refers to the expression of affection, appreciation, and support in a relationship. This can include verbal affirmations, acts of kindness, and overall positive interactions.

2. Openness involves the willingness to communicate openly and honestly with a partner, sharing thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It also includes being receptive to the partner's communication.

3. Assurances are behaviors that provide security and confidence in the relationship, such as expressing commitment, loyalty, and trustworthiness. This can also involve reassurance and validation of the partner's feelings.

4. Social networks refer to the integration of each partner into the other's social circles and the support and involvement of friends and family in the relationship. This can help to strengthen the bond between partners and provide a broader support system.

5. Sharing tasks involves the division of responsibilities and chores within the relationship, working together to accomplish common goals and maintain a sense of fairness and equity.

These relational maintenance behaviors are important for sustaining and nurturing a healthy and fulfilling relationship.

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Berger and Calabrese's uncertainty reduction theory and Sunnafrank's predicted outcome value theory are both theories that aim to explain how individuals manage uncertainty in interpersonal communication. However, there are several key differences between the two theories.

One of the main differences is the focus of each theory. Berger and Calabrese's uncertainty reduction theory focuses on the process of reducing uncertainty in initial interactions between strangers. The theory suggests that individuals engage in communication strategies to gather information and reduce uncertainty about the other person. On the other hand, Sunnafrank's predicted outcome value theory focuses on the factors that influence individuals' decisions to pursue or avoid further interactions with someone based on their perceived value of the potential outcomes.

Another difference is the underlying assumptions of each theory. Uncertainty reduction theory assumes that individuals seek to reduce uncertainty in order to increase predictability and control in their interactions. In contrast, predicted outcome value theory assumes that individuals weigh the potential rewards and costs of further interaction with someone before deciding whether to pursue or avoid future communication.

Additionally, the two theories differ in their emphasis on the role of communication in uncertainty management. Uncertainty reduction theory places a strong emphasis on the role of communication strategies, such as information seeking and self-disclosure, in reducing uncertainty. In contrast, predicted outcome value theory focuses more on the perceived value of the potential outcomes of further interaction, such as the potential for relational or material rewards.

In summary, while both uncertainty reduction theory and predicted outcome value theory address the management of uncertainty in interpersonal communication, they differ in their focus, underlying assumptions, and emphasis on the role of communication in uncertainty management. These differences highlight the diverse approaches to understanding and explaining how individuals navigate uncertainty in their interactions with others.