In conclusion, Mark Knapp’s theoretical model on interpersonal relationships proved correct when in correlation to Tina Fey’s iconic 2004 film, Mean Girls (Waters, 2004). Putting in place relational escalation and deescalation between leads, Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, both undergo all ten phases between the two stages present in Knapp’s Staircase Model (Waters, 2004). Including, but not limited to, initiating, experimenting, intensifying, integrating, bonding, differentiating, circumscribing, staging, avoiding, and lastly, termination revealed in a classic and stereotypical high school setting (Woods, 2013). Observing the transition of strangers, to friends, to mortal enemies, before concluding their bond for good, Cady and Regina are
