For our first discussion in this module, we identify how the contextual and developmental definitions of interpersonal relationships apply to our our experiences.

In addition, I would like you to take stock of what stage of relational development you are presently experiencing. Some of the terms you find in Chapter Fourteen drawn from Knapp's model of relational development and Duck's Phases of Dissolution can be applied here.

How did you and the other person proceed through different stages?

Since each stage of a relationship is often distinguished by key relational issues or concerns, describe some of the qualities of your interaction that are characteristic of the stage that you are presently experiencing. For instance, Seiler and Beall observe that during an intensifying stage the main concern is with making a commitment to the other person and deepening of the relationship through mutual self disclosure. But, if we reach a stagnating stage we find ourselves at a standstill.

Key terms to incorporate into your posting include: initiating, intensifying, integrating, bonding, differentiating, circumscribing, stagnating, avoiding, terminating to draw on Knapp. Also, you may use terms from Duck: intrapsychic brooding, dyadic phase, social phase and grave-dressing if you are writing about a relationship that deteriorated.

After you have done your own posting, return to the Discussion Board throughout the period of time that we are working on this module to offer feedback to others. I will add one word of caution, however. In giving feedback, refrain from offering advice or direction to your colleagues--unless someone specifically asks for that type of feedback.

Conflict is inevitable and unavoidable in any mature and meaningful relationship. In fact, it is probably even a healthy step in developing a more meaningful relationships and arriving at a deep stage of relational bonding.

Sometimes, our conflicts are destructive, however. For this Discussion Board, I will ask you to use some of the points Seiler and Beall make about conflict in Chapter Fourteen and apply them to one of your relationships. In addition, to using the terms in our chapter, draw on the Allyn & Bacon Communication Studies Website.

Some additional materials on Responding to Conflict can be found on the page by that name from the Interpersonal Web.

Our focus will be on describing conflict and how we deal with it, but our posting is not meant as a therapy session for giving advice. As with the other topics in this module, I will specifically ask everyone to refrain from giving unsolicited advice.

Specific questions for the posting in this Topic are:

In your own words, how is conflict destructive? How is conflict constructive? Use concrete examples drawn from your own experience.

As applied to your own experiences of conflict, what have you found to be the most effective strategies for managing conflict and ensuring that it is productive? Use some of its terms for describing communication climates and conflict management. A second citation for the Allyn & Bacon Communication Studies Website describes various types of relational patterns such as rigid roles, disinformation, spirals of behavior, and patterns of dependency and counter-dependency that may develop when we experience conflict.