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MM Re Mdl (Stages of Relational Interaction (Initiating In the initiating…
MM Re Mdl
Stages of Relational Interaction
Initiating
In the initiating stage, people size each other up and try to present themselves favorably.
Experimenting
The scholars who developed these relational stages have likened the experimenting stage, where people exchange information and often move from strangers to acquaintances.
Intensifying
As we enter the intensifying stage, we indicate that we would like or are open to more intimacy, and then we wait for a signal of acceptance before we attempt more intimacy. Other signs of the intensifying stage include creation of nicknames, inside jokes, and personal idioms
Integrating
In the integrating stage, two people’s identities and personalities merge, and a sense of interdependence develops. Even though this stage is most evident in romantic relationships, there are elements that appear in other relationship forms.
Bonding
The bonding stage includes a public ritual that announces formal commitment. These types of rituals include weddings, commitment ceremonies, and civil unions.
Differentiating
Individual differences can present a challenge at any given stage in the relational interaction model; however, in the differentiating stage, communicating these differences becomes a primary focus. Differentiating is the reverse of integrating, as we and our reverts back to I and my. People may try to reboundary some of their life prior to the integrating of the current relationship, including other relationships or possessions.
Circumscribing
To circumscribe means to draw a line around something or put a boundary around it. So in the circumscribing stage, communication decreases and certain areas or subjects become restricted as individuals verbally close themselves off from each other.
Stagnating
During the stagnating stage, the relationship may come to a standstill, as individuals basically wait for the relationship to end. Outward communication may be avoided, but internal communication may be frequent.
Avoiding
Moving to the avoiding stage may be a way to end the awkwardness that comes with stagnation, as people signal that they want to close down the lines of communication.
Terminating
The terminating stage of a relationship can occur shortly after initiation or after a ten- or twenty-year relational history has been established. Termination can result from outside circumstances such as geographic separation or internal factors such as changing values or personalities that lead to a weakening of the bond.
Foundations of Relationships
Personal relationships
meet emotional, relational, and instrumental needs, as they are intimate, close, and interdependent relationships such as those we have with best friends, partners, or immediate family.
Social relationships
are relationships that occasionally meet our needs and lack the closeness and interdependence of personal relationships.
Social Exchange Theory
essentially entails a weighing of the costs and rewards in a given relationship. Rewards are outcomes that we get from a relationship that benefit us in some way, while costs range from granting favors to providing emotional support. When we do not receive the outcomes or rewards that we think we deserve, then we may negatively evaluate the relationship, or at least a given exchange or moment in the relationship, and view ourselves as being underbenefited.
Commitment
and
interdependence
are important
interpersonal
and
psychological dimensions
of a relationship that relate to social exchange theory.
Interdependence refers to the relationship between a person’s well-being and involvement in a particular relationship.
Relational Dialectics
Some scholars believe that we grapple with things in our relationships regardless of the stages we are in. So another way we can better understand our personal relationships is by understanding the notion of relational dialectics.
Autonomy-Connection
refers to our need to have close connection with others as well as our need to have our own space and identity. We may miss our romantic partner when she or he is away but simultaneously enjoy and cherish that alone time.
Novelty-Predictability
is the idea that we desire predictability as well as spontaneity in our relationships.
• Openness-Closedness
refers to the desire to be open and honest with others while at the same time not wanting to reveal every thing about yourself to someone else.