Chapter 6

Interpersonal Communication
Dr. Noor Hameededdin
Prince Sultan University
 Overview

• Interpersonal communication

• Interpersonal relationships

• Importance of Interpersonal relationships

• Appropriate Self-disclosure

• Cross-cultural relationships

• Essential interpersonal communication behaviors

• Improving interpersonal communication skills

 Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal Relations
• Two or more people
• Interdependent
• Consistent pattern of interaction
• Interaction over time
Importance of Interpersonal Relationships

Basic interpersonal needs

oInclusion
oAffection
oControl

Types
oComplementary relationships
oSymmetrical relationships
Dark Side of Interpersonal Relationships
“Dysfunctional Relationships”
• Conflict

• Obsession

• Misunderstanding

• Abuse

• Extreme behaviors
 Importance of Self-Disclosure

• Increased understanding
of ourselves

• More meaningful
relationships with others

• More depth in
meaningful relationships
Johari Window
Factors in Appropriate Self-Disclosure

• Increases with relational intimacy

• Tends to be reciprocal

• Chance for negative disclosure increases with intimacy

Factors in Appropriate Self-Disclosure (cont’d)

• May be avoided

• Varies across cultures

• Curvilinear relationship with relational satisfaction

 Cross-Cultural Relationships

Have Have meaningful personal interaction

Maintain Maintain equal status

Find Find ways to build interdependence

Respect Respect individual differences

Essential Interpersonal Behaviors

• Using affectionate and supportive communication

• Influencing others

oCompliance-gaining

oCompliance-resisting
Essential Interpersonal Behaviors (cont’d)

• Developing unique relationships

oPersonal idioms

oRituals
Possibilities for Improvement

• Bargaining
oFormal-explicit
oInformal-implicit

• Maintaining behavioral
flexibility