Module Four: Interpersonal Relationships

In this module, we will examine how some interpersonal relationships develop and become more personal. To think through the distinctions between impersonal and personal relationships we will study the contextual view of interpersonal communication and compare it to the developmental view. This module will also explore how conflicts arise in relationships and the importance of self-disclosure. Later in the course, we will also apply some of the principles in Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen of our text to the study of fictional interpersonal relationships when we do our group projects.

Describe one of your relationships using the contextual model and examine it evolve over a period of time using the developmental model. We will also see how conflict is a normal and inevitable aspect of relational development.
Next we will reflect on some of the theories of self-disclosure that explain how and why we share information about ourselves..
 


© 2001-02 by Terrence A. Doyle, Ph. D