COMS 2060 Chapter Notes - Chapter Ch. 9: Uncertainty Reduction Theory, Interpersonal Attraction, Physical Attractiveness

• School: Ohio University
• Department: Communication Studies
• Course: COMS 2060
• Professor: Rebekah Crawford

Document Summary

Interpersonal communication in friendships & professional relationships: why social relationships matter. Need to belong the fundamental drive to seek, form, maintain, and protect strong social relationships. As people, we need social bonds that are both interactive and emotionally close. This theory is one of the most important theories. Material (help us meet our material needs need for money, food, shelter, etc. ) Health (happiness/relaxation help eliminate effects of stress, and friends can look out for our safety and well-being: forming and maintaining social bonds. Theories that help us understand who we choose to in relationships with. Attraction theory- why we are drawn to one another. Uncertainty reduction theory- why we initially interact with others. Predicted outcome value theory- details why we get to know some people and not others. Social exchange theories- how we compare current relationships with our alternatives and how we count our costs and benefits. Relational maintenance behavior- communication behaviors we use to sustain our relationships.