Paper 4
Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships
What factors caused the characters to form their relationship at the beginning? How did those factors change over time?
Map how the characters relationship moves through Knapp’s stages.
Which dialectics do you see in the couples relationship?
Communication Climate
What roles do confirming and disconfirming messages play in the couples conflict?
How do Gibb’s categories reflect the couples communication?
What will they have to do differently in the future?
Managing Conflict
What styles do the couple, and individuals use most?
Is their style of conflict complementary, symmetrical, or parallel?
Which intimacy/aggression style characterizes their conflict?
What do you think the characters will have to do in the future to ensure positive conflict resolution?