Question 1

According to social penetration theory, we can categorize our relationships according to______ .

Accepted Answer

Social penetration theory suggests that the development of a relationship is closely tied to the systematic and reciprocal sharing of personal information, which is categorized by both the breadth (number of topics) and depth (intimacy level of those topics) of discussions.

Question 2

Hugo is willing to make the first move to say sorry, change or adapt his behavior, and realize a significant part of the problem in his relationship was himself. These are all examples of which relationship repair strategy?

Accepted Answer

Taking risks involves making the first move to apologize, change, or adapt behavior, and acknowledging one's own role in the problem, which Hugo is willing to do.

Question 3

The REPAIR strategy for repairing a relationship begins with______ .

Accepted Answer

The REPAIR strategy for repairing a relationship starts with recognizing the problem, as acknowledging there is an issue is the first step towards addressing and resolving it.

Question 4

Paulina and Avery met during freshman orientation at college and decided to room together when school begins next month. It is accurate to say that in this relationship,________ .

Accepted Answer

There are several relationships involved because each person may perceive the relationship differently, and there are also external perceptions from others.

Question 5

Tara is ready to have her boyfriend meet her child. A significant relationship event, such as this, is known as______ .

Accepted Answer

A turning point in a relationship refers to a significant event or moment that leads to a change in the relationship's direction or dynamic. Introducing a significant other to one's child can mark a new phase in the relationship, indicating a deeper level of commitment and integration into one's personal life.

Question 6

After their first date, Miguel sends flowers to Cara to see how she will respond. This most likely took place in the________ stage of the relationship.

Accepted Answer

Miguel sending flowers to Cara to gauge her response is indicative of the involvement stage, where individuals start to explore and develop a deeper connection beyond initial contact.

Question 7

Which communication strategy is intended to reduce the intensity of a relationship?

Accepted Answer

De-escalation is a communication strategy used to reduce the intensity of a relationship, often by decreasing the level of commitment or interaction, without necessarily ending the relationship completely.

Question 8

In the______ stage of a relationship, partners begin to look at themselves as individuals rather than halves of a pair.

Accepted Answer

In the dissolution stage of a relationship, partners often start to see themselves as separate individuals again, rather than as parts of a couple. This stage involves the process of breaking down the relationship, where individuals may begin to disengage from the partnership and reestablish their individual identities.

Question 9

Smiling or winking at your partner, kissing him or her goodbye, and texting messages such as "I'm thinking of you" are examples of ______.

Accepted Answer

These actions are examples of cherishing behaviors, which are ways of showing love, care, and consideration for a partner, enhancing the emotional connection between individuals.

Question 10

A preference for individuals that look, act, and think very much like ourselves is referred to as_________ .

Accepted Answer

The similarity principle suggests that people tend to be attracted to and prefer the company of others who share similar interests, values, attitudes, and backgrounds. This principle is based on the idea that interacting with similar others is rewarding because it validates our own beliefs and attitudes, making communication and interaction smoother and more predictable.

Question 11

Interpersonal commitment and social bonding are two phases in the_________ stage of a relationship.

Accepted Answer

Interpersonal commitment and social bonding are key components of the intimacy stage of a relationship, where partners deepen their connection and commitment to each other.

Question 12

In what relationship stage does a sense of mutuality develop?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In what relationship stage does a sense...

Question 13

The degree of "personalness" to which you pursue topics with someone is known as _______.

Accepted Answer

Depth refers to the level of personal or intimate detail you go into when discussing topics with someone, contrasting with breadth, which refers to the range of topics covered.

Question 14

According to research, how long does it take us to decide if we want to pursue a relationship?

Accepted Answer

Studies suggest that it takes just 4 minutes for someone to decide whether they want to pursue a relationship with someone, based on quick judgments of attractiveness, body language, and what is said during that short time.

Question 15

As relationships break down,_________increases.

Accepted Answer

As relationships deteriorate, individuals are more likely to engage in deceptive behaviors, either to avoid confrontation, to protect themselves, or to manipulate the situation to their advantage.

Question 16

Joseph and Cliff announced their engagement at a party Friday night. They are in the ________stage of their relationship.

Accepted Answer

Announcing an engagement publicly is a form of social bonding, which signifies that Joseph and Cliff are in the intimacy/social bonding stage of their relationship. This stage involves making a public declaration of their commitment to each other.

Question 17

Intrapersonal dissatisfaction is a phase during which relationship development stage?

Accepted Answer

Intrapersonal dissatisfaction occurs during the deterioration stage of a relationship, where individuals evaluate their dissatisfaction within the relationship, often leading to a decline in the relationship's quality.

Question 18

The first stage of a relationship, according to the six-stage model, is _________.

Accepted Answer

The first stage of a relationship in the six-stage model is "contact." This stage involves initial interactions and the first impressions that people form of each other, which can occur through various means such as visual contact, conversation, or online interaction.

Question 19

When a relationship deteriorates, the breadth and depth often reverse themselves, a process known as _______.

Accepted Answer

Depenetration is the process where the breadth and depth of a relationship decrease, often leading to the relationship's deterioration.

Question 20

After they move in together, Joel begins to answer his partner's phone without asking permission. This is an example of________ .

Accepted Answer

This behavior is an example of "relationship license," which refers to the permissions or liberties one partner feels entitled to take within the context of a relationship, often as a result of increased intimacy or trust. In this case, Joel answering his partner's phone without asking permission is an action that assumes a certain level of closeness or entitlement to privacy invasion that wouldn't typically be acceptable in less intimate relationships.

Quiz 9: Interpersonal Relationship Stages, Communication, and Theories