Relational Stages

 

Learning Module Objective:

Students will be able to illustrate communication skills in the stages of relationship development.(CCO – 10)

This activity is linked to Chapter Seven – Understanding Interpersonal Relationships.  Think of an important relationship in your life such as a friend, partner, spouse, etc.  Then use Knapp’s Model of Relationship Development and construct a model or diagram describing communication stages in that relationship. You can use word processing software to create the model or diagram or you can use drawing software. Explain the steps that were skipped, if any.  Next, apply and describe the dialectic tensions (connection vs. autonomy, openness vs. privacy, and predictability vs. novelty) in the relationship.  Last, describe a strategy that you can use or have used to manage the dialectic tension(s).