Interpersonal Communication Theory Paper

Words: 2239
Pages: 9

Introduction The purpose of this paper is to explore and explain interpersonal communication. Interpersonal communication is something so common, that we take it for granted. First, this paper will define interpersonal communication. Second, it will explore the Uncertainty Reduction Theory. Third, it will discuss the relational growth and decline in interpersonal relationships. Lastly, it will briefly discuss mediated relationships.

Interpersonal Communication As one of the most overlooked concepts of everyday life, interpersonal communication happens between you and one other person every day. An exchange as simple between you and a Starbucks barista is considered interpersonal communication. The definition is simple. "Interpersonal
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In this stage, couples avoid any forms of communication because the situation is too tense and could lead to an argument. The couple's reached a point where they don't want to even bother communicating because it will just cause a disagreement. This leads to only small amounts of sharing information with one another and a decrease of the expression of commitment (Trenholm and Vivian, 2008, p. 146.) The third stage is the stagnating stage. The stagnation represents the lack of communication. Simple conversations between the couple are inconsistent and tend to be awkward. In some cases, the discussions will be overly formal and extremely uncomfortable. This stage can last for months or even years. The fourth stage, avoiding, leads the couple to separate. This separation could either be physical or emotional, depending on the relationship. For those who are dating, it could be something along the lines of not answering a phone call or a text. In the situation of a married couple, time spent apart either by work or extracurricular activities can increase. Lastly, if physical separation is not an option, they may resort to psychological separation. Such as, pretending the other person does not …show more content…
AS messages send at the speed of light they are able to be sent from across the globe with no issue. However, these positive attributes also can bring negative ones as well. The uncertainty of who you are electronically communicating with is high. A person can truly be anonymous due to the lack of visual capability. This power of anonymity encourages people to share and express behind the safeguard of their technology. While people consider this a positive attribute to computer-mediated communication because it let you express freely, some also consider it a negative because individuals are not responsible for their virtual