Coms 201 Ch 8 Vocab

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interactional theory

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a theory built of the premise that communication and relationships are systems in which meaning is established through contexts, punctuation, and content and relationship levels meaning

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complementary

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of or pertaining to a form of communications and a type of relationship in which power is unequal between individuals - interactional theory

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punctuation

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subjective designations of the start and stop of particular communication episodes - interactional theory

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content meaning

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one of two levels of meaning identified by interactions theorists; the literal significance, or denotative meaning, of communication

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relationship meaning

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one of two levels of meaning in communication; what communication reflects about feelings and relationships between people - interactional theory

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symmetrical

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of or pertaining to a form of communication and relationships in which power in equal between both partners - interactional theory

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dialectical theory

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the point of view that certain tensions between contradictory desires are inherent in personal relationships

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dialectical moments

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momentary periods of equilibrium, between opposing dialectics in the larger pattern of continuous change that marks relationships - dialectical theory

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dialectics

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points of contradiction that cause tension and impel change in relationships. 3 relational dialectics:
1. autonomy-connection
2. openness-closedness
3. novelty-routine

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reframing

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a method of managing relational dialectics that involves transforming the perception of dialectical needs as opposing, and reframing them as unified, complementary, or otherwise allied - dialectical theory

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neutralization

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the methods of responding to the tension of relational dialectics by means of a compromise that meets both dialectical needs to a degree but satisfies neither need fully - dialectical theory

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selection

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one means of managing relational dialectics that involves satisfying one need in a dialectic and ignoring or denying the contradictory one - dialectical theory

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separation

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one means of managing relational dialectics that attempts to meet both contradictory needs in a dialectic by satisfying each one in separate situations or spheres of relational life - dialectical theory

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homeostasis

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a steady state; equilibrium; balance
general systems theory: living system strive for but never fully sustain it
dialectical: continuous change is the very nature of relationships

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general systems theory

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theory originated by Ludwig Von Bertalanaffy, which claims that all living organisms are dynamic wholes that functions as a result of organized interaction among parts

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openness

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the extent to which a systems affects and is affected by factors and processes outside of it - general systems theory

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parallel relationships

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relationships in which individuals have equal power overall but the power is distributed so that each person has greater power in particular spheres of activity - general systems theory

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metacommunication

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communication about communication