Showing papers on "Interpersonal communication published in 1997"

Individual-Level Evidence for the Causes and Consequences of Social Capital

Abstract: Theory: Social capital is the web of cooperative relationships between citizens that facilitates resolution of collection action problems (Coleman 1990; Putnam 1993). Although normally conceived as a property of communities, the reciprocal relationship between community involvement and trust in others is a demonstration of social capital in individual behavior and attitudes. Hypotheses: Variation in social capital can be explained by citizens' psychological involvement with their communities, cognitive abilities, economic resources, and general life satisfaction. This variation affects citizens' confidence in national institutions, beyond specific controls for measures of actual performance. Methods: We analyze the pooled General Social Surveys from 1972 to 1994 in a latent variables framework incorporating aggregate contextual data. Results: Civic engagement and interpersonal trust are in a tight reciprocal relationship, where the connection is stronger from participation to interpersonal trust, rather than the reverse.

Face-to-Face Versus Computer-Mediated Communication: A Synthesis of the Experimental Literature:

Abstract: This paper synthesizes the findings of published experimental studies (n = 18) that compared face-to-face (FTF) and computer-mediated communication (CMC). The literature is pulled together by way of ten propositions, each pre sented with the supporting evidence. In general, discussions on CMC take longer, produce more ideas, and have greater equality of participation. There is reduced normative pressure and poorer comprehension of the discussion in CMC. Findings regarding quality of performance, uninhibited behavior, choice shift, attitude change, and evaluation of communication partner are not defini tive. Factors limiting the internal and external validity of these studies are also discussed.

Group and Interpersonal Effects in International Computer-Mediated Collaboration

Abstract: Drawing on two recent theories, this article proposes interaction hypotheses involving the joint effects ojsalient pup versus individual identity and long-term versus short-term group membership on the social, interpersonal, and intellectual responses ojpup members collaborating via computer-mediated communication. Participantsfimn institutions in two countries used computer-mediated communication under various conditions. Results indicate that some conditions oj computer-mediated communication use by geographically dispersed partners render effects systematically superior to those obtained in other mediated conditions and greater or lesser than effects obtained thmughface-to-face interaction.

Peplau's Theory of Interpersonal Relations

Abstract: Interpersonal competencies of nurses are key to assisting patients in the work necessary for regaining health and well-being. Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations is detailed, and examples are given of the three phases which occur in developing nurse-patient relationships, along with associated challenges.

Mediamorphosis: Understanding New Media

Abstract: Principles of Mediamorphosis Domains of Communication Media The Mediamorphic Role of Language Technologies of the Third Mediamorphosis Contemporary Forces of the Third Mediamorphosis Lessons from Failure Mediamorphosis within the Interpersonal Domain Mediamorphosis within the Broadcast Domain Mediamorphosis within the Document Domain Hype and Reality

Nonverbal communication in two-and three-year-old children with autism

Abstract: The forms, functions, and complexity of nonverbal communication used by very young children with autism were investigated. Fourteen children with autism were matched to 14 children with developmental delays and/or language impairments on the basis of CA, MA, and expressive vocabulary. Subjects participated in a structured communication assessment consisting of 16 situations designed to elicit requesting or commenting behavior. Children with autism requested more often and commented less often than controls. Autistic children were less likely to point, show objects, or use eye gaze to communicate, but were more likely to directly manipulate the examiner's hand. The autistic group also used less complex combinations of behaviors to communicate. Implications for early identification and intervention are discussed.

inTouch: a medium for haptic interpersonal communication

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce a new approach for applying haptic feedback technology to interpersonal communication. We present the design of our prototype inTouch system which provides a physical link between users separated by distance.

Face-to-face and video-mediated communication: A comparison of dialogue structure and task performance

Abstract: This article examined communication and task performance in face-to-face, copresent, and video-mediated communication (VMC) Study 1 showed that when participants in a collaborative problem-solving task could both see and hear each other, the structure of their dialogues differed compared with dialogues obtained when they only heard each other The audio-only conversations had more words, and these extra utterances often provided and elicited verbal feedback functions, which visual signals can deliver when available Study 2, however, showed that high-quality VMC did not appear to deliver the same benefits as face-to-face, copresent interaction It appears that novelty, attenuation, and remoteness all may have contributed to the effects found factors that should be considered by designers of remote video-conferencing systems

When Do Opposites Attract? Interpersonal Complementarity Versus Similarity

Abstract: Two experiments examined whether interpersonal complementarity or similarity influences people's satisfaction with dyadic interactions. Participants in complementary partnerships (submissive people with dominant partners, dominant people with submissive partners) reported more satisfaction than did those with similar partners. In Study 1 complementarity referred to the match between, the participants' self-reported interpersonal style (dominant or submissive) and the role enacted by a confederate (dominant or submissive). In Study 2 participants interacted in pairs, and complementarity referred to the match between one participant's interpersonal goals and the other's overt behavior. Participants whose goals were complemented by their partners' behavior were more satisfied with the interaction than those whose goals were not. In both studies satisfied participants perceived their partners as similar to themselves. Over the years a number of interpersonal theories have emerged to describe the relationship between two people in an

Friendships and Violent Behavior During Adolescence

Abstract: This study investigated the extent to which interpersonal processes within male friendships are associated with violent behavior patterns during adolescence. At ages 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18, we observed the participants (206 boys) in our laboratory discussing problem solving situations with a close friend. Although the boys typically brought in different friends for each of the three assessments, we found considerable continuity in the boys' behaviors, most notably in the topics discussed. In particular, the tendency of a dyad to engage in deviant and violent talk was uniquely associated with violence in adolescence, controlling for childhood antisocial behavior and coercive discipline practices in the home. These findings suggest that adolescent violence is embedded within enduring social interactional patterns of friendships, where the faces change but the process remains the same.

Precipitating Factors and Life Events in Serious Suicide Attempts Among Youths Aged 13 Through 24 Years

Abstract: Objective Precipitating factors and life events associated with medically serious suicide attempts were examined in young people making serious suicide attempts and control subjects. Method Using a case-control design, the authors contrasted 129 young people making serious suicide attempts with 153 randomly selected community controls on a series of life event occurrences within the preceding year. Precipitating factors for serious suicide attempts were also examined. Results The most common precipitants of serious suicide attempts were relationship breakdowns, other interpersonal problems, and financial difficulties. However, one third of those attempting suicide were unable to describe any precipitating factor. Individuals who made serious suicide attempts had elevated rates of life events which were associated principally with interpersonal difficulties, work issues, financial difficulties, and legal problems. When due allowance was made for intercorrelations between life event measures and antecedent social, family, and personality factors, interpersonal losses and conflicts and legal problems remained significant risk factors for serious suicide attempts. Conclusions Important proximal occurrences for serious suicide attempts among young people include a series of life events associated principally with interpersonal conflicts, relationship difficulties, and legal problems.

Complex interpersonal conflict behaviour: Theoretical frontiers

Abstract: This book is about reactions to interpersonal conflict such as avoiding, negotiating, and fighting. It breaks away from the prevailing assumption that conflict behaviours are mutually isolated reactions having mutually isolated effects. Instead, reactions are viewed as components of complex conflict behaviour that influence each other's impact on the substantive and relational outcomes. The simultaneous and sequential occurrence of, for example, problem solving and fighting should therefore be studied together and not separately. The author presents a ladder of stepwise increases in theoretical quality, and designs the sequence of chapters in such a way that the theoretical value increases step by step. The lower steps lead to the description of behavioural components and to a model of integrative and distributive dimensions. The upper steps lead to the dimensions of dual concern for one's own and the other's goals and to complexity explanations in terms of the novel paradigm of conglomerated conflict behaviour. The chapters are summarised into thirty-four interrelated propositions. Six empirical studies demonstrate the validity of crucial propositions at each level of the theoretical framework. This monograph primarily reaches out to an academic readership. However, due to its clear structure, its comprehensive propositions, its frequent use of figures, and its glossary, the book will also provide an invaluable resource for any student and practitioner interested in conflict management and negotiation.

Aversive Interpersonal Behaviors

Abstract: In 1993, James Redfield published the Celestine Prophecy, an intriguing book describing the nine insights of life as revealed in a fictitious Peruvian manuscript. As individuals uncover each of the insights in sequence, they learn that the physical world is a huge system of energy. However, because people do not know how to harvest that energy, they compete with other individuals for the energy that they can acquire directly from them. Thus, throughout history, human conflict has stemmed from competition for the energy that flows between individuals. By controlling another person, people can increase their own energy by “stealing” some of the other individual’s energy. The method that people use to gather another’s energy is referred to as a control drama and reflects patterns of behavior that were learned in childhood. Thus, some people control others by making them feel guilty. Others direct people by monopolizing conversations. Still others control people by ostracizing them and depriving them of valued interpersonal resources. So, aversive interpersonal behaviors, at least in part, reflect people’s control dramas or the methods that they invoke to gather energy from others (Redfield, 1993).

Does Teaching Theory of Mind Have an Effect on the Ability to Develop Conversation in Children with Autism

Abstract: The present research examined whether teaching children with autism to pass tasks that assess mental state understanding had any positive effects on communication. Two aspects of communication previously shown to be deficient in children with autism were considered. These are conversational ability, in particular the ability to expand on conversation, and the use of mental state terms in speech. Results showed that no discernible improvement was seen on either measure of communication following mental state teaching. Discussion centers on real versus superficial changes in understanding mental states as a result of teaching.

Interpersonal Guilt: The Development of a New Measure

Abstract: We describe the development of a new measure to assess guilt related to concern about harming others. The two versions of the Interpersonal Guilt Questionnaire, a 45-item and 67-item version, include theoretically-based and clinically relevant categories of guilt: survivor guilt, separation/disloyalty guilt, omnipotent responsibility guilt, and self-hate guilt. Preliminary reliability and validity studies for both versions are presented, based on clinical and nonclinical samples of subjects. Subscales on both versions show good internal consistency; however, the second version, which expanded on the first, is more psychometrically sound overall. Both versions demonstrated predicted correlations with previously published measures of guilt and related affects, such as shame and depression, and with attributional style. Differences between clinical and nonclinical samples are reported and the relevance of survivor guilt and shame to psychopathology is noted.

Attachment Styles, Self-Esteem, and Patterns of Seeking Feedback from Romantic Partners

Abstract: Previous research indicates that persons with secure or dismissing attachment styles differ dramatically in their tolerance of and appreciation for intimacy; despite these differences, both types of individuals display high self-esteem. The two groups' interpersonal orientations suggest that their sources of self-esteem may differ. Secure individuals should derive self-esteem from warm associations with others, whereas dismissing individuals, lacking such associations, may learn to compensate by deriving self-esteem from alternative sources. To test these ideas, the authors related attachment styles to two distinct components of self-esteem-self-liking and self-competence. Overall, security was associated with self-liking, whereas dismissing avoidance was associated with self-competence. The former results were qualified somewhat by gender: Although females' security was associated solely with self-liking, males' security was associated with both self-liking and self-competence. Discussion focuses on the ...

Ideology and Interpersonal Emotion Management: Redefining Identify in Two Support Groups

Abstract: This ethnographic study demonstrates the process by which our emotions are constructed not only by ourselves but also by others. Support groups for divorce or bereavement are used to illustrate the process of interpersonal emotion management. The study considers how support groups with differing ideologies produce dissimilar situational definitions for the loss of a spouse. Each of these definitions promotes different cognitive and affective outcomes for the participants. Despite these differences in definitions, the group leaders use a largely identical process of interpersonal emotion management, in which they redefine not only the event of spousal loss but also the sufferer's very identity. These redefinitions encourage understandings and emotions that coincide with the groups' own ideological perspectives. In addition, the results of the study are unexpectedly congruent with affect control theory, thus demonstrating that the propositions of this theory inform qualitative as well as quantitative research.

Sex and Gender Differences in Personal Relationships

Abstract: Preface. Moving Beyond Stereotypes. Sex, Gender, and Emotion. Communicating Intimacy. Communicating Control. Division of Household Labor. Toward an Activity-Based View of Gender.

Self‐presentation and interactional alliances in e‐mail discourse: the style‐ and code‐switches of Greek messages

Abstract: The recent proliferation of linguistic studies of computer-mediated communication is marked by an emphasis on communication between virtual acquaintances as well as by a limited cross-fertilization with current advances in sociolinguistically oriented discourse analysis. The point of departure for this paper is the need for a more inclusive strategy in relevant research, in particular in the form of contextualized approaches to computer-mediated discourse which will shed light on the diversity and multiplicity of the text-context relationships in the ever-growing electronic medium. In addition, the study wishes to redress the balance in relation to the data sources in the volume of research by focusing on e(lectronic)-mail which is (1) exchanged between people who are well-acquainted and (2) written in Greek. The paper sets out to explore self-presentation and alliances in e-mail discourse, and its framework is informed by interactional sociolinguistics and ethnography of communication. The results of the data analysis bring to the fore certain discourse features which are proposed as forming the conventionalized style of e-mail and providing the frame for the major contextualization cues in the data. These are realized by certain patterns of recurrent code-centered choices (code-switches and style-shifts) which prove to (re-)frame footings of symmetrical alignments and intimacy between e-mail participants.

Perfectionism and Interpersonal Problems

Abstract: This investigation was designed to assess the relation between perfectionism and interpersonal relationships, Three dimensions of perfectionism were assessed for their associations with interpersonal relationships using circumplex measures of both interpersonal traits and interpersonal problems. Analyses using geometric indices provided by the circumplex measures were performed along with canonical correlations between the perfectionism and interpersonal measures to identify the relations between perfectionistic characteristics and interpersonal experiences. Self-oriented perfectionism was associated with assertive, adaptive interpersonal qualities for men and women; other-oriented perfectionism was associated with arrogant, dominant, and vindictive characteristics for men and women but little interpersonal distress; and socially prescribed perfectionism was associated With arrogant, socially distant characteristics for men and diverse interpersonal maladjustment and distress for women. Perfectionistic te...

Negotiating Reproductive Outcomes In Uganda

Abstract: The Negotiating Reproductive Outcomes study was conducted in the Masaka and Lira districts of Uganda to determine: how reproductive decisions and outcomes are negotiated within sexual unions; which individual household and community characteristics influence negotiation; and how womens status influences their ability to negotiate outcomes. Data collection began in January 1995 and involved a focus group and a survey of 1750 women 20-44 years old and 1356 of their male partners. Separate estimates were made for rural and urban areas within each district. The first chapter of this report provides background information on the study objectives and methodology. Chapter 2 describes the socioeconomic context in the districts. Chapter 3 presents results about negotiating contraceptive use in terms of current knowledge and use reasons for use and nonuse negotiating family planning (FP) with partner and others and concurrence and secret use. Chapter 4 covers negotiations about the number and spacing of children including the ideal number of children and sex balance discussions about spacing and limiting with others nonverbal negotiation evolution of preferences and resolution of conflict. Chapter 5 discusses negotiation of sexual behavior and condom use through a look at sexual norms communication about sex negotiating sex knowledge of AIDS prevention and negotiating condom use. Major conclusions are that couples do negotiate reproductive outcomes that much communication is nonverbal and subject to misinterpretation that men want FP because of economic concerns whereas women also have health concerns and that womens vulnerable status curtails their ability to negotiate and gives men greater authority over reproductive decisions.

Antecedents of Adult Interpersonal Functioning: Effects of Individual Differences in Age 3 Temperament.

Abstract: We examined whether temperamental differences at age 3 are linked to interpersonal functioning in young adulthood. In a sample of over 900 children, we identified 5 distinct groups of children based on behavioral observations: Well-adjusted, undercontrolled, reserved, confident, and inhibited. At age 21, we assessed the children's interpersonal functioning in 4 social contexts: in the social network, at home, in romantic relationships, and at work. We found three patterns of relations: (a) Well-adjusted, reserved, and confident children defined a heterogeneous range of normative adult interpersonal behavior, (b) inhibited children had lower levels of social support but normative adjustment in romantic relationships and at work, and (c) undercontrolled children had lower levels of adjustment and greater interpersonal conflict across adult social contexts.

Graduate student/faculty mentoring relationships: Who gets mentored, how it happens, and to what end

Abstract: Given the importance of mentoring in the academic context, this study proposed five objectives. Analyses of surveys from 145 students across 12 universities and diverse disciplines, revealed first of all, a demographic profile of the typical graduate student protege and faculty mentor. Second, ten diverse communication strategies emerged that demonstrate how students initiate a mentoring relationship. Third, protege evaluations of their initiation attempts revealed their efforts to be somewhat ineffective and unduly difficult. Fourth, students reported their mentors to provide primarily psychosocial, rather than career support. And fifth, proteges characterized their mentoring relationships as extremely positive and satisfying. Results throughout are, for the most part, independent of both protege and mentor demographics (including ethnicity).

Relational capacity: the foundation for interpersonal nursing practice

Abstract: Nurses have the opportunity to make a profound difference in peoples' health and healing experiences. However, our emphasis and reliance on mechanistic models of relating often results in our failure to realize this opportunity. This paper challenges the appropriateness of mechanistic models of human relating that focus on behavioural communication skills, and suggests an alternate approach that emphasizes the enhancement of relational capacity. Five relational capacities are described including: initiative, authenticity, and responsiveness; mutuality and synchrony; honouring complexity and ambiguity; intentionality in relating; and re-imagining.