Question 1

In dealing effectively with anger and conflict in relationships it is best to avoid:

Accepted Answer

Stuffing feelings to preserve harmony may lead to resentment and ultimately escalate conflict. It is important to express feelings in a direct and honest way, even if they may be difficult for the other person to hear. However, it is also important to express these feelings with sensitivity and respect to the other person. Avoiding persistent annoyances may be helpful in preventing conflict, but it is not always feasible or necessary to do so.

Question 2

__________ in relationships is to be expected and can provide an opportunity for positive change.

Accepted Answer

Conflict is a natural part of any relationship and can provide an opportunity for growth and positive change if approached constructively. Guilt, shame, and unforgiveness, on the other hand, can be harmful to relationships and should be addressed and resolved.

Question 3

Each of the following are characteristic of meaningful relationships EXCEPT :

Accepted Answer

Expecting the other person to take responsibility for one's happiness goes against the idea of mutual respect and equality in a meaningful relationship.

Question 4

Each of the following statements describe meaningful conversation between two persons, EXCEPT :

Accepted Answer

In a meaningful conversation, it's important to avoid making "You" statements as they can come across as accusatory or aggressive. Instead, the focus should be on expressing personal feelings and experiences. This allows for a more open and honest exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Question 5

Donald was raised with a father who was a workaholic and paid little attention to his son. When Donald decided to talk with his father about his childhood, he was not satisfied with the results. What Donald needs to remember is that:

Accepted Answer

Donald cannot change his father, but he can work on changing his own thoughts and behaviors. By focusing on his personal growth and making positive changes in his own life, he can improve his relationship with his father and create a healthier dynamic moving forward. Seeking counseling may also be helpful in this process. Option A is not accurate as change in another person cannot be forced, and option B is not helpful as it is a passive approach. Option C is potentially harmful as focusing solely on how his father is not meeting his expectations can lead to resentment and negativity.

Question 6

______________ occurs when one partner remains silent and offers his or her partner no feedback.

Accepted Answer

Stonewalling is a communication pattern where one partner shuts down and withdraws from the conversation, offering the other partner no feedback or response. This can be harmful to the relationship as it blocks open communication and can lead to feelings of disconnection and resentment.

Question 7

The following statement is specific and concrete:

Accepted Answer

Option C is specific and concrete as it clearly defines the behavior that is disliked and the reason behind it. It is not vague and general like options A, B, and D.

Question 8

The content and process of communication is influenced by the European American slant that prizes:

Accepted Answer

The European American culture values direct communication and making eye contact when speaking, which is different from some other cultures that may value indirect communication or avoidance of eye contact. Therefore, the content and process of communication for European Americans may be influenced by this cultural value.

Question 9

Janet is not satisfied with her relationship with her mother. She would like to develop a relationship that is more intimate and talk to her mother on a personal basis. Janet can take the first step toward changing the situation if she

Accepted Answer

Option B is the best choice because it involves communicating her feelings and desires to her mother in a nonjudgmental way, which is likely to be better received than a direct complaint or suggestion. It also leaves room for her mother to respond and potentially initiate a more intimate conversation. Options A, C, and D are either too direct or put the onus on the mother, which may not yield the desired outcome.

Question 10

Parents and children often take each other for granted, and either the parent or the child may expect the other to assume:

Accepted Answer

When parents and children take each other for granted, they may expect the other to assume the major responsibility for maintaining the relationship. This can lead to misunderstanding and strain in the relationship. It is important for both parties to actively work on maintaining positive communication and connection.

Question 11

__________ are vulnerable to becoming set in routine ways of being with another person and losing any sense of surprise or spontaneity.

Accepted Answer

Long-term relationships have a higher chance of becoming set in routine ways of being with another person and losing any sense of surprise or spontaneity due to the familiarity and comfort that comes with being with someone for an extended period of time. Short-term, limited, or brief relationships may not have as much opportunity to develop such patterns.

Question 12

Empathy, which is a basic component in any interpersonal relationship, is best understood as

Accepted Answer

Empathy involves understanding and experiencing another person's emotions, thoughts, and feelings. This requires listening to them with respect and understanding, and attempting to enter their world in order to share their perspective. Sympathy and pity involve feeling sorry for someone, but do not necessarily involve understanding or sharing their experience. B is incorrect because empathy involves verifying understanding by checking with the other person, rather than assuming meaning without confirmation.

Question 13

In one study, when women were strangled by their intimate partners, they thought of it as:

Accepted Answer

Strangulation by an intimate partner is often used as a way to exert power and control over the victim. It is not a form of communication or a way to express repressed anger, but rather a violent act of dominance. Victims often perceive it as a murder attempt because it can be lethal and is associated with high rates of domestic violence homicides.

Question 14

Examples of unfaithful acts that occur online include:

Accepted Answer

Cybersex and cyberflirting involve engaging in sexual or romantic conversations online with someone who is not your partner, which is a form of infidelity. Choices B, C, and D may be inappropriate or problematic but do not necessarily constitute unfaithful acts.

Question 15

Erikson maintains that the major task of early adulthood is the challenge of:

Accepted Answer

Erikson believed that the major task of early adulthood is to form intimate relationships. This is a time when individuals are seeking long-term romantic partnerships, and also when they are developing close friendships and professional relationships. Developing intimacy and close connections with others is key to successfully navigating this stage of life.

Question 16

__________ can be a wonderful tool that enhances our ability to communicate with others.

Accepted Answer

Technology can be a wonderful tool that enhances our ability to communicate with others. With the advancement of technology, we have various platforms to connect and communicate with people across the globe. We can send messages, make video calls, and share information easily and quickly. Social media also provides a way to connect with people and build relationships. Therefore, technology can be a great aid in enhancing our communication skills.

Question 17

If we hope to keep a relationship vital, we must

Accepted Answer

Relationships are dynamic and therefore require constant adjustments and revisions to keep them healthy and thriving. This can include changes to communication styles, priorities, and emotional needs. Relying solely on a partner for personal fulfillment or pursuing complete conflict avoidance can lead to an unhealthy and unbalanced relationship. Meeting all of our needs within a relationship can also be unrealistic and overwhelming for the other person. Thus, reevaluating and revising our way of being with each other from time to time is the best choice.

Question 18

All the following are barriers to communication except

Accepted Answer

The other options are all barriers to communication because they prevent effective listening or prevent open and honest expression of thoughts and feelings. Choice C, however, is not a barrier to communication but rather an essential element of it. Making genuine contact by openly expressing what you think and feel is necessary for clear and effective communication.

Question 19

Physically assaulting a person on the basis of his/her sexual orientation is referred to as

Accepted Answer

Physically assaulting a person on the basis of his/her sexual orientation is a hate crime, which is a criminal offense that is motivated by prejudice or bias against a particular group or individual based on their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other characteristic. It is a serious offense that is punished more severely than other crimes.

Question 20

When should a couple terminate a significant relationship?

Accepted Answer

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Each couple's situation is unique and requires individual evaluation. It's important for the couple to evaluate their priorities and decide if the relationship is still healthy and beneficial for both parties.

Quiz 7: Relationships