Interpersonal Communication: Importance in Romantic Relationships

TANYA MICHELLE

PCM 486

Introduction Social “Rubber Bands” that hold our world together

Four Stages: Courtship, Dating, Pre-Marriage, Marriage

To date, research has only been done on Attraction/Courtship and Marriage itself

Dating and Pre-Marriage very important

Benefits counseling services and could lead to: Better family life

Lower divorce rate

Improvements of pre-marital programs

Review of Literature Thesis

The initial and continued use of effective interpersonal communication throughout a developing romantic relationship is important at each stage: courtship, dating, pre-marriage, marriage

“People tend to interact with others who are similar in terms of variables such as age, socioeconomic status, and education”(Vangelisti, 2012).

Ritualistic communication stabilizes the relationship

Once intimacy has been established, cohabitating is common and used as a way to “find things out” (Whitehead, 1999).

“Minimizing confusion increases relationship commitment…related to relationship satisfaction” (Bagwell, 2013).

Theoretical Framework

Uncertainty Reduction Theory (Berger, Calabrese, 1975)

Social Penetration Theory(Altman, Taylor, 1973)

Bloom Theoretical Framework

Methods Cross Sectional Study with two different age groups of

cohabitating couples - 21-35 & 36-50

5 meeting days total (initial interview and day one meeting, last four every other week

Surveys Journals Counseling

Considerations and Assumptions

Everyone is different Assumption #1: The couple has a positive outlook for

the future of the relationship Assumption #2: Taking advice and utilizing tools given

by professionals Assumption #3: Couples will be open and honest