Question 1

Probing for common ground by investigating overlapping attitudes and interests is called

Accepted Answer

The answer of Probing for common ground by investigating overlapping...

Question 2

Which of the following statements accurately describes what level of disclosure is necessary for intimacy in an ongoing relationship?

Accepted Answer

While honesty and sharing are important for building intimacy, it is not necessary for partners to disclose all thoughts and feelings to each other. It is important to respect each other's boundaries and personal privacy. Both partners can still deepen their emotional connection through open and honest communication, even if they do not disclose everything to each other.

Question 3

Commitment and trust in a relationship can be seen as developing according to

Accepted Answer

Commitment and trust in a relationship are developed through mutual cyclical growth in which partners work together to build a strong foundation of trust and commitment over time. This involves both partners actively working to build and maintain trust and commitment through effective communication, shared experiences, and mutual support. Situational growth or coping mechanisms may be important factors in a relationship, but they are not the primary drivers of trust and commitment. Interactive growth mechanisms may be related to mutual cyclical growth, but this term is not commonly used in the literature on relationship development.

Question 4

When couples begin to see themselves more as "we" than "I," they enter a relationship phase called

Accepted Answer

The phase in which couples begin to see themselves more as a collective "we" entity rather than as separate individuals is known as mutuality. This has been identified as one of the key stages of relationship development by various researchers, including George Levinger, who proposed a model of relationship development that includes stages such as attraction, building, and continuation. Social exchange theory focuses on the costs and benefits of relationships, while building refers to the process of strengthening the relationship over time. Attraction, while important, is more of an initial stage in the relationship than an ongoing phase. Therefore, the best choice is B - mutuality.

Question 5

Based on the research presented in your text, which of the following is probably the best strategy for making self-disclosures early in a face-to-face relationship (i.e., not online)?

Accepted Answer

The research presented in the text suggests that self-disclosure over time is the best strategy for building relationships. Disclosing too much personal information too early can be a turn off, but gradually sharing more over time helps to establish trust and intimacy. Therefore, taking your time with self-disclosure is likely the best approach.

Question 6

The exchange of personal or intimate information is called

Accepted Answer

Self-disclosure is the act of revealing personal or intimate information about oneself to another person. Surface contact refers to casual or superficial interactions, small talk refers to polite conversation that doesn't necessarily involve disclosure, and the opening line refers to the initial statement or question used to start a conversation.

Question 7

Researchers who study self-esteem and intimacy in relationships have found that lower self-esteem is associated with

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently shown that lower self-esteem is associated with more difficulties developing and maintaining relationships. This is likely due to feelings of insecurity, lack of confidence, and fear of rejection, which can all impact one's ability to connect with others in a meaningful way.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is True regarding intimacy?

Accepted Answer

Emotional intimacy does not necessarily equate to sexual involvement. It is possible for married individuals to share a greater emotional connection with friends than their spouses. However, it is important to note that the level of emotional intimacy in different relationships can vary greatly and may not always be comparable.

Question 9

Online, people who meet and explore their potential romantic interest in each other tend to

Accepted Answer

Online interactions often lead to quicker and more profound personal disclosures than face-to-face interactions, partly due to the perceived anonymity and safety of the online environment.

Question 10

Social scientists suggest that the most important initial step in developing intimacy is to

Accepted Answer

Getting to know and like yourself is crucial for developing intimacy because it fosters self-confidence and authenticity, which are foundational for building deep and meaningful connections with others.

Question 11

Which phase of building a relationship could be said to be similar to "testing the water" of the relationship?

Accepted Answer

Surface contact is the phase where individuals are getting to know each other and testing the waters of the relationship by exploring commonalities and establishing initial rapport.

Question 12

In regard to gender differences in self-disclosure, researchers find that

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that individuals who identify with traditionally masculine traits tend to be less likely to engage in self-disclosure, regardless of their biological sex. This is linked to cultural norms and expectations around masculinity, which often discourage emotional openness and vulnerability.

Question 13

In committed relationships, a delicate, but important, balance exists between

Accepted Answer

While all of the options are important elements in committed relationships, option B captures the essence of a healthy balance between the need for individuality and the desire for mutuality. In other words, each partner needs to maintain a sense of self while also working to create a shared life together. This requires communication, compromise, and a willingness to respect each other's needs and desires. Without this balance, relationships can become codependent or stifling.

Question 14

In healthy committed relationships,

Accepted Answer

In healthy committed relationships, it is important for each partner to maintain their individual interests and needs. This allows for personal growth and fulfillment and prevents codependency. While spending time together and making joint decisions are important aspects of a relationship, it is not necessary for all friends to become friends of the couple.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the relationship between sexual intimacy and emotional intimacy in a relationship?

Accepted Answer

Sexual intimacy and emotional intimacy can exist independently in a relationship. A couple might experience one without necessarily having the other, indicating that these forms of intimacy, while often interconnected, are not mutually dependent.

Question 16

A loving couple is attempting to be more effective in their communication with one another when a problem arises. Which of the following will improve that ability?

Accepted Answer

By focusing on the problem, rather than placing blame or getting defensive, the couple can work together to find a solution. This allows for open and honest communication, without fear of being judged or criticized.

Question 17

Which of the following terms refers to the process by which commitment in a relationship leads partners to do things that enhance the relationship, which then helps build trust, which then increases commitment?

Accepted Answer

Mutual cyclical growth describes the process by which commitment in a relationship leads partners to do things that enhance the relationship, which then helps build trust, which then increases commitment. Social exchange theory suggests that people evaluate the costs and rewards of a relationship and make decisions based on this evaluation. The vicious cycle of commitment refers to a negative cycle in which partners become increasingly committed to a failing relationship. Mutuality refers to the idea of shared goals and interests in a relationship.

Question 18

In studies investigating self-disclosure, researchers found that

Accepted Answer

The answer of In studies investigating self-disclosure, researchers found that
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Question 19

If another person is totally unresponsive to your early verbal exchanges, it is likely that they are

Accepted Answer

Being unresponsive in early verbal exchanges can indicate a lack of attraction. Other options like playing hard to get, suffering from psychosis, or being a phony are possible but less direct interpretations of unresponsiveness.

Question 20

Too much self-esteem can be detrimental to a relationship if it leads one to be

Accepted Answer

Too much self-esteem can lead one to be narcissistic, which is characterized by an excessive sense of self-importance and lack of consideration for others. This can be detrimental to a relationship as the person may prioritize their own needs and desires over their partner's, leading to conflict and dissatisfaction in the relationship.

Quiz 8: Relationships and Communication