{"id":256,"date":"2026-01-09T08:34:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T08:34:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/interpersonalcomm\/?post_type=content&#038;p=256"},"modified":"2026-03-03T08:08:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T08:08:38","slug":"chapter-7","status":"publish","type":"content","link":"https:\/\/staging.routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/chapter-7\/","title":{"rendered":"<span>Chapter 7:<\/span> Developing and Ending Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-f24afb668869786e56c882da76991c40 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#627058;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"aioseo-breadcrumbs\"><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/staging.routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\" title=\"Home\">Home<\/a>\n<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">\u203a<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/staging.routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/chapter-resources\/\" title=\"Chapter Resources\">Chapter Resources<\/a>\n<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb-separator\">\u203a<\/span><span class=\"aioseo-breadcrumb\">\n\t<span>Chapter 7:<\/span> Developing and Ending Relationships\n<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:600;\" class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-title has-large-font-size\"><span>Chapter 7:<\/span> Developing and Ending Relationships<\/h2>\n\n\n<p>This chapter discusses the role of interpersonal communication as partners traverse stages of relationship development and dissolution. Within new relationships, communication functions to reduce uncertainty, promote positive possibilities, and help partners discover common ground. Within escalating relationships, interpersonal communication helps people create a connection, resolve doubts, coordinate behavior, and strive for equity. When relationships are ending, people need to make a decision about the future of the relationship, manage the face threats inherent in ending a close bond, reassert their own independence, and come to term with the transformation of a once close association. By putting theory into practice, this chapter offers tips for starting relationships out on the right track, navigating the road to intimacy, and exiting relationships with grace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_HDYR.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-45\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:4px;border-top-right-radius:4px;border-bottom-left-radius:4px;border-bottom-right-radius:4px;width:40px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_HDYR.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_HDYR-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-how-do-you-rate-15\">How Do You Rate?<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fse-isr-plus-2025-flat-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/HDYR-chapter7.zip\" style=\"background-color:#e4bca3;padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">Download all <em>How Do You Rate?<\/em> assessment forms (zip 66KB)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-hdyr-scale-7-1-relational-uncertainty-13\">HDYR Scale 7.1: Relational Uncertainty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ef310a45 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#f1f5f6;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-black-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-63d087b9115e26ed61ae3c53bc50bdd8 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-50bd6d79 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:-25px;margin-bottom:-25px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-extra-small-font-size\" id=\"aioseo-multiple-choice\">Questionnaire<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#d5e3fa;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">The content for this section has not been posted yet and is coming soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-hdyr-scale-7-2-using-secret-tests-to-diagnose-relationship-development-19\">HDYR Scale 7.2: Using Secret Tests to Diagnose Relationship Development<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-vertical is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ef310a45 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#f1f5f6;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-color has-black-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-63d087b9115e26ed61ae3c53bc50bdd8 has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-50bd6d79 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:-25px;margin-bottom:-25px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-extra-small-font-size\" id=\"aioseo-multiple-choice\">Questionnaire<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\">\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#d5e3fa;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">The content for this section has not been posted yet and is coming soon.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CIA.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-46\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:4px;border-top-right-radius:4px;border-bottom-left-radius:4px;border-bottom-right-radius:4px;width:40px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CIA.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CIA-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-communication-in-action-27\">Communication In Action<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fse-isr-plus-2025-flat-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/CIA-chapter7.zip\" style=\"background-color:#e4bca3;padding-top:0;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">Download all <em>Communication in Action<\/em> forms (zip 104KB)<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/CIA-07-1.docx\" title=\"CIA-07-1\">Download CIA Form 7.1: <em>Making the Most of Small Talk<\/em> (docx 28KB)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/CIA-07-2.docx\" title=\"CIA-07-2\">Download CIA Form 7.2: <em>Mapping Your Self-disclosures<\/em> (docx 41KB)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/CIA-07-3.docx\" title=\"CIA-07-3\">Download CIA Form 7.3: <em>Creating a Relationship Balance Sheet<\/em> (docx 26KB)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/CIA-07-4.docx\" title=\"CIA-07-4\">Download CIA Form 7.4: <em>Identifying Strategies for Ending Relationships<\/em> (docx 28KB)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CWT.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-47\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:4px;border-top-right-radius:4px;border-bottom-left-radius:4px;border-bottom-right-radius:4px;width:40px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CWT.jpg 200w, https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon_CWT-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-connect-with-theory-19\">Connect with Theory<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Connect with Theory 7.1: Uncertainty Reduction Theory<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p><strong>Uncertainty reduction theory<\/strong> was developed to explain how people communicate to minimize doubts about their social environments. In essence, the theory claims that people don\u2019t like uncertainty. When there is a lack of information about a conversational partner or a social situation, it can make people anxious. As a result, people try to reduce uncertainty when encountering unfamiliar social situations. According to the theory, the primary goal of communication is to reduce uncertainty so that people can predict and explain their surroundings. There are three general ways in which people go about minimizing uncertainty: passive strategies, active strategies, and interactive strategies. <em>Passive strategies<\/em> involve unobtrusive observation of others. For example, you may look someone up on social media to see what you can find out about them. <em>Active strategies<\/em> occur when people seek information from a third party or manipulate the social environment to gather information about the target person. Instead of directly interacting with the target person, you may ask their friends, co-workers, or family members about the person in question. You may also conduct experiments, such as secret tests, to see how someone reacts. <em>Interactive strategies<\/em> entail going straight to the source and asking questions to gain insights. For example, you may send the target person a message or comment on their post on social media. Another way to implement the interactive strategy is to disclose information about yourselves with the specific hope that the other person will do the same and share things about them. Although uncertainty reduction theory was originally proposed to understand how strangers communicate during that initial interaction, it has been applied to other contexts, such as intercultural interactions, established relationships, computer-mediated interactions, and organizational settings. For example, Kramer (1994) found that employees use the interactive strategy to solicit feedback from peers and supervisors to acquire knowledge during job transitions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>References and other suggested readings:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Berger, C. R. (1986). Uncertain outcome values in predicted relationships: Uncertainty reduction theory then and now. <em>Human Communication Research, 13<\/em>(1), 34\u201338. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1468-2958.1986.tb00093.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1468-2958.1986.tb00093.x<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Berger, C. R., &amp; Calabrese, R. J. (1975). Some explorations in initial interaction and beyond: Toward a developmental theory of interpersonal communication. <em>Human Communication Research, 1<\/em>(2), 91\u2013112. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1468-2958.1975.tb00258.x\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/j.1468-2958.1975.tb00258.x<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grace, R., &amp; Tham, J. C. K. (2021). Adapting uncertainty reduction theory for crisis communication: Guidelines for technical communicators. <em>Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 35<\/em>(1), 110\u2013117. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1050651920959188\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/1050651920959188<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knobloch, L. K. (2008). Uncertainty reduction theory: Communication under conditions of ambiguity. In L. A Baxter &amp; D. O. Braithwaite (Eds.), <em>Engaging theories of interpersonal communication: Multiple perspectives <\/em>(pp. 133\u2013144). SAGE.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knobloch, L. K., Satterlee, K. L., &amp; DiDomenico, S. M. (2010). Relational uncertainty predicting appraisals of face threat in courtship: Integrating uncertainty reduction theory and politeness theory. <em>Communication research, 37<\/em>(3), 303\u2013334. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0093650210362527\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0093650210362527<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Kramer, M. W. (1994). Uncertainty reduction during job transitions: An exploratory study of the communication experiences of newcomers and transferees. <em>Management Communication Quarterly, 7<\/em>(4), 384\u2013412. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177%2F0893318994007004002\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0893318994007004002<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary><strong>Connect with Theory 7.2: Relational Turbulence Theory<\/strong><\/summary>\n<p><strong>Relational turbulence theory <\/strong>was developed to understand how people manage transitions in close relationships. The theory suggests that people experience more relational uncertainty and influence from the partner when there is a change in the relationship environment. During times of transition, such as moving from casual dating to serious involvement, people may have doubts about their relationship. You may wonder how you feel about the relationship (Do I like this person? Do I want this to go on?), question your partner\u2019s feelings and intentions in the relationship (Does he\/she like me? Does he\/she want this to go on?), and have concerns about the state of the relationship itself (What is our status? How will things change?). In addition, the theory argues that people\u2019s daily activities and routines are likely to be influenced by a partner during relationship transitions. For example, when first moving in with a significant other, you may find it helpful that your partner cooks dinner so that you can take care of other chores. At the same time, you may have to reschedule a haircut appointment because your partner needs a ride to work. As the example illustrates, a partner\u2019s influence can either help accomplish everyday goals or make it more difficult to perform day-to-day activities. According to the theory, both relational uncertainty and disturbances from a partner can fuel people\u2019s perceptions of the relationship as unsteady, chaotic, fragile, and tumultuous. When this happens, it can have negative consequences on the relationship. For example, previous research has shown that relational turbulence is linked to increased experiences of jealousy (Theiss &amp; Solomon, 2006), conflict (Brisini &amp; Solomon, 2021), and topic avoidance (Knobloch &amp; Carpenter-Theune, 2004).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>References and other suggested readings:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brisini, K. S. C., Riccardi, R., &amp; Wang, N. (2024). Turbulence, framing, and planning among college daters: testing relational turbulence theory in a dyadic, lab study. <em>Human<\/em> <em>Communication Research, 50<\/em>(4), 492\u2013503. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/hcr\/hqae010\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/hcr\/hqae010<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Brisini, K., Solomon, D. H. (2021). Distinguishing relational turbulence, marital satisfaction, and parenting stress as predictors of ineffective arguing among parents of children with autism. <em>Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38<\/em>(1), 65\u201383. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177%2F0265407520958197\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0265407520958197<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knobloch, L. K., &amp; Carpenter-Theune, K. E. (2004). Topic avoidance in developing romantic relationships: Associations with intimacy and relational uncertainty. Communication Research, 31(2), 173\u2013205. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177%2F0093650203261516\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0093650203261516<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knobloch, L. K., Solomon, D. H., Theiss, J. A., &amp; McLaren, R. M. (2021). Relational turbulence theory: Interpersonal communication during times of transition. In <em>Engaging theories in interpersonal communication <\/em>(pp. 366\u2013378). Routledge. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4324\/9781003195511-32\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4324\/9781003195511-32<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Solomon, D. H., Knobloch, L. K., Theiss, J. A., &amp; McLaren, R. M. (2016). Relational turbulence theory: Explaining variation in subjective experiences and communication within romantic relationships. <em>Human Communication Research, 42<\/em>(4), 507\u2013532. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/hcre.12091\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1111\/hcre.12091<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Solomon, D. H., Li, Y., Brisini, K. S., &amp; Vanderbilt, R. R. (2024). A longitudinal test of relational turbulence theory and serial arguments in romantic relationships. <em>Journal of Communication, 74<\/em>(6), 492\u2013504. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/joc\/jqae031\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/joc\/jqae031<\/a>&nbsp; Theiss, J. A., &amp; Solomon, D. H. (2006). A relational turbulence model of communication about irritations in romantic relationships. <em>Communication Research, 33<\/em>(5), 391\u2013418. <a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177%2F0093650206291482\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1177\/0093650206291482<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"74\" height=\"74\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-staging.routledgelearning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/assets\/sites\/46\/icon-FLASH.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-409\" style=\"border-top-left-radius:4px;border-top-right-radius:4px;border-bottom-left-radius:4px;border-bottom-right-radius:4px;width:40px\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-flashcards-21\">Flashcards<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<!-- Swiper -->\n<div class=\"swiper mySwiper\">\n    <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Avoiding Stage of Relationship Dissolution<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>When people create physical distance by ignoring a partner, staying away, and engaging in minimal communication. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Bonding Stage of Relationship Development<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>When partners formally establish their relationship through public ritual. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Breadth<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The variety of topics that we share with a partner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Circumscribing Stage of Relationship Dissolution<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>When partners create psychological distance by sharing less information and avoiding controversial topics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Depth<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The extent to which shared information is personal or private.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Differentiation Stage of Relationship Dissolution<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>When partners express belief that distinguish them from each other.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Experimenting Stage of Relationship Development<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>When people move beyond the initiating stage by discovering common ground through small talk and by sharing personal, though not private, information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Face Threats<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Experiences that can make either partner feel constrained or disliked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Friends-with-benefits relationship<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>A friendship in which partners engage in sexual activity but do not define the relationship as romantic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Initiating Stage of Relationship Development<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>When people first engage with each other and communication focuses on reducing uncertainty about each other and promoting positive outcomes by exchanging public information and following broadly held social norms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Integrating Stage of Relationship Development<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>When partners establish an identity as a social unit by highlighting the qualities that make the relationship unique. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Intensifying Stage of Relationship Development<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>When partners establish mutual awareness of the relationship and being to lay out ground rules.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Interdependence <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>A state that exists when relationship partners rely on each other to accomplish their goals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Interference from a partner<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>When a relationship partner disrupts the accomplishment of everyday goals or the performance of routine activities. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Investment Model<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>A theory about commitment to relationships.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Norm of reciprocity<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The tendency to match our own disclosures to those made by our partner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Partner Uncertainty<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The lack of knowledge people have about their partner\u2019s involvement in a relationship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Predicted-outcome-value<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The rewards a person expects to get from a future relationship with a new acquaintance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Relational Uncertainty<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The lack of knowledge people have about their relationships.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Relationship Dissolution<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The process by which previously developed relationships become less close.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Relationship Talk<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Communication with a partner about your relationship with him or her.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Relationship Uncertainty<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The lack of knowledge people have about the nature or status of their relationship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Rule of Distributive Justice<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>A guideline dictating that each partner\u2019s rewards should be proportional to their costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Secret Tests<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Covert actions designed to reveal information about a partner\u2019s involvement in a relationship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Self-disclosure<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>Telling another person about your characteristics, experiences, feelings, attitudes, or beliefs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Self uncertainty<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The lack of knowledge people have about their own involvement in a relationship.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Social Exchange<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>The voluntary transfer of personal resources from one partner to another. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Stagnation Stage of Relationship Dissolution<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>When people avoid communication with a partner about important topics, such as a partner\u2019s flaws, relationship problems, or ongoing disagreements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Terminating Stage of Relationship Dissolution<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>When people formally end their relationship by ceasing contact or acknowledging the relationship has ended and clarifying expectations for the future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <!-- Swiper Slide -->\n        <div class=\"swiper-slide\">\n          <!-- Flashcard -->\n           <button class=\"flip-card\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n            <div class=\"flip-card-inner\">\n              <div class=\"flip-card-front\"><p><p>Uncertainty<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n              <div class=\"flip-card-back\"><p>A lack of information about a conversational partner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n            <\/div>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n\n        \n        <div id=\"flashcard-instruction\" class=\"sr-only\">Press Enter or Space to flip the card<\/div><div id=\"flip-announcement\" class=\"sr-only\" role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>\n    \n<\/div>\n<div role=\"region\" aria-live=\"polite\" id=\"announcement\" class=\"visually-hidden\"><\/div>\n\n<script>\n\nvar swiper = new Swiper(\".mySwiper\", {\n    pagination: {\n    el: \".swiper-pagination\",\n    type: \"fraction\",\n    },\n    navigation: {\n    nextEl: \".swiper-button-next\",\n    prevEl: \".swiper-button-prev\",\n    },\n});\n\n\n\nconst flipCards = document.querySelectorAll('.flip-card');\n  const announcement = document.getElementById('announcement');\n\n  flipCards.forEach(flipCard => {\n    flipCard.addEventListener('click', () => {\n      flipCard.classList.toggle('flipped');\n      const frontContent = flipCard.getAttribute('data-front');\n      const backContent = flipCard.getAttribute('data-back');\n      const isFlipped = flipCard.classList.contains('flipped');\n      \n      if (isFlipped) {\n        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flipCard.addEventListener('blur', () => {\n      announcement.textContent = '';\n    });\n  });\n<\/script><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6c531013 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex wp-container-1 is-position-sticky\"><div class=\"wp-block-aioseo-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a class=\"aioseo-toc-item\" href=\"#aioseo-how-do-you-rate-15\">How Do You Rate?<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><li><a class=\"aioseo-toc-item\" href=\"#aioseo-communication-in-action-27\">Communication In Action<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><li><a class=\"aioseo-toc-item\" href=\"#aioseo-connect-with-theory-19\">Connect with Theory<\/a><\/li><li><a class=\"aioseo-toc-item\" href=\"#aioseo-flashcards-21\">Flashcards<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This chapter discusses the role of interpersonal communication as partners traverse stages of relationship development and dissolution. Within new relationships, communication functions to reduce uncertainty, promote positive possibilities, and help partners discover common ground. Within escalating relationships, interpersonal communication helps people create a connection, resolve doubts, coordinate behavior, and strive for equity. When relationships are&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":88,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-256","content","type-content","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/256","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/content"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/staging.routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/256\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":674,"href":"https:\/\/staging.routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/256\/revisions\/674"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/88"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.routledgelearning.com\/interpersonalcomm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=256"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}