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Zhang, Y., & Chiu, C-Y. (2011). Goal commitment and alignment of personal goals predict group identification only when the goals are shared. Group Process & Intergroup Communication. DOI: 10.1177/1368430211415440

This article discusses the conflict that arises from various goals in communication in contrast to shared group goals. Group identification emerged as the most important in shared meaning goals. The study included a three month period and the results are published within the article. Cultural dynamics are addressed as another means of communicating through shared meaning.

1. Discuss the relationship between personal goals and shared goals.
2. Identify the reasons for group alignment in reducing conflict.
3. Discuss the reduction of conflict in shared goals and meaning.
4. Identify the process for individual goals and groups goals creating shared meaning.

Ramiez, A., Sumner, E.M., & Spinda, J. (2015). The relational reconnection function of social network sites. New Media and Society. Sage. DOI: 10.1177/1461444815614199

This article engages and discusses the role of social media in relational communication. This focuses, includes, and examines SNS (Social Networking Sites) as a platform for relationships and permits relational communication to flourish.

1. Discuss what is meant by re-connection in a relational communication context.
2. Identify the possible advantages of relational communication through SNS.
3. How are messages conveyed in a relational context when the goal is to re-connect with a former friend or partner?
4. Identify the modalities and multiple channel use of relational communication.

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Tyler, J.M. (2012). Triggering self-presentation efforts outside of people’s conscious. Awareness Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 38, 619–627. doi: 10.1177/0146167211432767

This article reflects on three studies of self-presentation in terms of deliberate or conscious activity. The methodology suggests that non-conscious social cues may directly impact the concept of self-presentation in most cases. This signifies a behavior that has become learned over time and thus, becomes a habit.

1. Discuss the concept of self-preservation in communication.
2. Identify the habitual behaviors that become mundane in every day communication.
3. Discuss how the social environment effects self-presentation.
4. Discuss how self-presentation can be triggered by social settings and environments.

Saker, M., & Leighton, E. (2016). Locative media and identity: Accumulative technologies of the self. Sage Open, 6(3). doi: 10.1177/2158244016662692.

This article explores the relationship of location-based social networks on identity drawing on the work of Foucault’s technologies of the self. The use of Foursquare and other social media identifies location as a key factor in self-identity and disclosure.

1. Identify the role of locative media in identity theory.
2. Explain what is meant by “Technologies of the Self”?
3. Find an example of keeping a “memory backed up” in order to preserve self-identity.
4. Describe an implication of the spatial and temporal disclosure of self-identity.

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Ruppel, E. K. (2015). Use of communication technologies in romantic relationships: Self-disclosure and the role of relationship development. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 32, 667–686. doi:10.1177/0265407514541075.

This article explains the various impacts of relationships through the lens of communication practices. The communication is then further examined through technologies. This includes voice; such as using the phone, face to face communication, and the Internet. Various studies of examples are cited throughout the article.

1. Discuss how motivation is a factor in communication technologies (CT).
2. Apply the concept of CT to an example of communication in a dating scenario.
3. Discuss the impact of self-disclosure in a relationship.
4. Examine how a relationship changes over time impacting communication.

Koudenburg, N.,. Postmes, T., & Ernestine T. G. (2017). Beyond content of conversation the role of conversational form in the emergence and regulation of social structure. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 21, 50–71. doi:10.1177/1088868315626022.

This article addresses the role of communication conversation styles and types of preferred modes of communication in various relational situations.

Communication and accommodation theory is addressed in the way people alter their various styles in different situations. The idea of ritual is discussed in terms of ways communication is negotiated based on past social norms and traditions.

1. Discuss how social norms influence communication patterns.
2. Explain how communication flow is impacted by our social structure and culture.
3. Discuss the way conversation is directed by social structure.
4. Discuss how commination is influenced by observing the behavior of others.

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Reinhard, C. D., & Dervin, B. (2017). Comparing situated sense-making processes in virtual worlds: Application of dervin’s sense-making methodology to media reception situations. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 18, 27–48. doi:10.1177/1354856511419914

This article focuses on the belief that virtual worlds provide a different way of making sense in the world. The communication in the realm of social media is much more diverse than in face to face communication. The methodology relates to the research study and deals with various personality types and his/her use of social media for sense-making.

1. Discuss the media use of various personality types in communication.
2. Explain the virtual world in terms of sense-making.
3. Discuss the benefits and draw backs of a face-to-face encounter.
4. Discuss the means of making sense in virtual worlds.

Ramadhar S., Ya Y. T., & Krithiga S. (2016). Causal role of trust in interpersonal attraction from attitude similarity. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 1-15. doi:10.1177/0265407516656826

This article derives from the perspective of trust within a relationship. The methodology deals with attraction versus trust encounters in relationships. Communication has the ability to build trust and develop strong relationships. The role of sense making through attraction to similar communication styles and interests are a primary concept in the research.

1. Discuss the role of trust in a socially mediated relationship.
2. Explain the process of creating a relationship based on attitude.
3. Discuss the disadvantages of building trust with attraction being the common element.
4. How is communication impacted by the lack of trust in a relationship?

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Priem, J. S., & Denise H. S. (2016). What is supportive about supportive conversation? Qualities of interaction that predict emotional and physiological outcomes. Communication Research, 1–31. doi:10.1177/0093650215595074

This article focuses on the perceived notion of a supportive relationship and what develops over time. The communication is impacted by psychological and comforting dialogic exchanges. The research also touches upon the emotions, conversational experiences and stress as a basis for bonding in various relationships. Explicitness is explored an intention of communication.

1. Discuss the complications of a perceived relationship in terms of communication.
2. Explain the notion of bonding through dialogic exchanges.
3. Discuss the role of emotion in the relationship stages.
4. Explain the implications of intentional communication.

Pitts, M. J., & Miller-Day, M. (2007). Upward turning points and positive rapport-development across time in researcher–participant relationships. Qualitative Research, 7, 177–201. doi:10.1177/1468794107071409

This article reflects on the need to develop rapport building. The concept is related to researchers and may be applied to any situation that requires a relationship to be constructed. Relationships are discussed from a participant approach that indicates building rapport is not always a natural occurrence in communication. The need to redefine existing relationships and cross boundaries is explored through various methodologies. Turning points are examined as means of interpersonal connections, which may be positive or negative. Partnerships are often linked to dramatic turning points.

1. Discuss the framework needed to build rapport in a given situation.
2. Explain the process for redefining relationships as a means of partnerships.
3. Discuss the limitations of crossing communication boundaries.
4. Explain the role crisis or drama plays in turning points.

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Tsay-Vogel, M., Shanahan, J., Signorelli, N. (2016). Social media cultivating perceptions of privacy: A 5-year analysis of privacy attitudes and self-disclosure behaviors among Facebook users. New Media & Society, 1–21. doi:10.1177/1461444816660731

This article examines the role of privacy in a socially mediated model. Facebook is the primary mode of social media examined; however, the study applies to several models. The comparison is made to reality shows and other forms of self-disclosure in media settings. The question becomes one of the disclosures that depends greatly upon the venues and perceived communication responses. Attitudes toward privacy are explored in terms of what is acceptable in the world of social media and virtual reality.

1. Discuss the role of privacy in a social mediated model.
2. Explain the problems that arise from secrets in relationships.
3. Discuss the perception of privacy in social applications.
4. Explain the rationale for disclosure and secrecy.

Tabata, N. (2010). Cues for inferring secrets held by others during social interactions. Psychological Reports, 106, 170–174. doi:10.2466/PR0.106.1.170-174

This article serves to examine the particular cues used by those who discuss secrets or elude to secrets in interpersonal exchanges. Cues include lying and deception that is deliberate and meant to confuse the communication participants. The “maxim of quality” is discussed as a means of evading certain topics and issues. This is a violation of the communication exchange according to Grice (1975), whose research was extensive in this area. The study was conducted in Japan and the participants were asked to explain when they believed someone was inferring a secret. The results showed that evasion of the topic and periods of silence were the most used cues in the conversations.

1. Discuss the means that may be used in cultivating a secret through inference.
2. Explain the violation of the “maxim of quality” as described by the author.
3. Discuss the results of the research and the implications of topic evasion.
4. Discuss the rationale for silence and deception in communication interactions.

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Walther, J. B., Loh, T., & Granka, L. (2005). Let me count the ways. The interchange of verbal and nonverbal cues in computer-mediated and face-to-face affinity. Journal of Languageand Social Psychology, 24, 36–65. doi:10.1177/0261927X04273036

This article focuses on non-verbal communication having more context cues in communication exchanges than verbal communication. Attention is given to vocal behaviors and various modes of communication including face to face and computer mediated communication. Mediated interaction is approached as a behavior that emerges from non-verbal cues.

1. Discuss the behaviors that are more comfortable with non-verbal expressions of affection.
2. Explain the impact of communication behaviors that deny a partner’s emotional response.
3. Discuss how non-verbal expression can be confrontational or non-confrontational.
4. Discuss the implications of cue interchangeability.

Heaton, K. J., & Black, L. L. (2009). I knew you when: A case study of managing preexisting nonamorous relationships in counseling. The Family Journal, 17, 134–138. doi:10.1177/1066480709332854

This article focuses on a counseling situation that engages the practice of non-amorous behaviors in communication relationships. The concept of managing multiple relationships in a situation becomes a challenge that deals with appropriate versus emotional behaviors. Supportive communication is discussed as the counselor assumes a dual role in the process of communication.

1. Discuss the challenges faced in nonamorous relationship management.
2. Explain the ethical concerns in dual role communication interactions.
3. Discuss how multiple relationships may positively or negatively affect communication.
4. Explain the problem of boundary crossing in multiple role relationships.

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Byars-Winston, A. (2011). Broadening sources of dignity and affirmation in work and relationship. The Counseling Psychologist, 40, 255–267. doi:10.1177/0011000011429033

This article looks at Richardson’s work in response to dignity and affirmation in relationships. All relationships -- friendship, romantic, or other -- seek a form of dignity. The levels of love are examined from a high to a low affirmation priority. A feminist perspective is apparent; however, the article has relevancy for the concept of attachment and affirmation theory.

1. How is affirmation manifested in a love relationship?
2. Discuss the need to find fit in personal and public relationships.
3. Explain the role of dignity in relationships that are private.
4. Does group identity influence communication responsiveness in relationships?

Fehr, B., Harasymchuk, C., & Sprecher, S. (2014). Compassionate love in romantic relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 31, 575–600. doi:10.1177/0265407514533768

This article focuses on the difference between compassionate love, liking, and passionate love in relationships. The article also describes several love styles and agape love. The authors further examine the styles of behavior and communication in love, prosocial, quality, and stability in relationships. Underwood’s model is highlighted among that of other scholars who are seeking to measure compassionate and romantic love. Other theories are examined in the context of love always seeking for the “good” of the other.

1. Discuss the idea of compassionate love in terms of style and behavior.
2. Explain how prosocial communication is expressed in love relationships.
3. How are the models different and similar?
4. Discuss global love as a means of compassion.

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Schmitt, D. P. Jonason, P. K. (2014). Attachment and sexual permissiveness exploring differential associations across sexes, cultures, and facets of short-term mating. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 46, 119–133. doi:10.1177/0022022114551052

This article discusses the socio-sexuality issues with permissiveness and variables in mating strategies. Attachment theory is examined from an Eastern and Western cultural perspective. The concept of short-term and long term mating is researched in the Congo and other cultures. The term "mate poaching" emerges as the ability or desire to steal someone’s mate. Dismissive behavior was more prominent in males across all cultures.

1. Discuss the means of communication in Eastern vs. Western cultures.
2. Explain the rationale for impressing a potential mate.
3. Discuss the meaning of accommodating based on interpersonal exchanges.
4. How does attachment theory influence a short term relationship?

Sanders, T. (2008). Male sexual scripts intimacy, sexuality and pleasure in the purchase of commercial sex. Sociology, 42, 400–417.

This article deals with the communication patterns used by males in various encounters. The research touches upon the types of stimuli preferred and used in real life relationships with sexual partners. The power concept is examined from the ability to communicate desire and purchase visual and partner encounters.

1. Describe a typical male encounter with scripts as the main form of communication.
2. Discuss the need for script in communication with new relationships.
3. Explain the theory behind the purchase of commercial sex.
4. Discuss the long and short communication scripts and the rationale for each.

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Stavora, O., & Ehlebracht, D. (2015). A longitudinal analysis of romantic relationship formation: The effect of prosocial behavior. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 6, 521–527.

This article examines the impact of romantic formation in a long term relationship. The changes and process of communication are examined in a prosocial framework. Behaviors are looked at from two different perspectives as the research continued for a period of years.

1. How is prosocial behavior influenced by long term commitments?
2. Explain the meaning of prosocial behavior.
3. Discuss the stages of formation in a long term relationship.
4. Discuss potential communication problems in romantic relationships over a period of time.

Kim, D., Yang, C., & Lee, J. (2013). equity sensitivity and gender differences. Indian Journal of Gender Studies, 20, 373–392.

This article deals with fair and equal treatment of people in all types of relationships. Friendship is explored as well as business, co-worker, and long-term romantic relationships. Hofstede’s cultural dimension is explored in terms of individual and collective cultures. Cultural values are examined in terms of equity in relationships.

1. Discuss the idea of fairness in friendship and co-worker relationships.
2. Explain the process for equity in long term relationships.
3. Discuss the individual in a collective culture.
4. Discuss the dimension of Hofstede’s values.

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Freidman, N. (2005). Experiential Listening. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 45, 217–238. doi:10.1177/0022167804274355

This article discusses the history of experiential listening with special attention to the work of Carl Rogers. His “feeling of response” is examined from the humanistic perspective of centered listening. The person is engaged in the process and by doing so is able to hear and understand more of the other person’s side. The person who hears the message connects the words to his/her own experiences. This creates more of a connection.

1. Discuss the implications of experiential listening in conflict situations.
2. Examine the rationale for relating to ones experiences.
3. How is conflict resolution affected by good listening strategies?
4. Discuss the Roger’s role in developing the theory of listening.

Ames, D. R., & Wazlawek, A. S. (2014). Pushing in the dark. No evidence for specific links between moral content and discrete emotions). Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 40, 775–790. doi:10.1177/0146167214525474

This article works on the premise that most loving or caring relationships have some type of assertive behavior from one or both partners. Self-awareness is examined as a role that many do not realize they are in; as such a position causes reflection, and thus does not curb assertive behaviors. Prior work is examined of Pruit & Ruben, who had done extensive research on the subject. Subjects included MBA students who were randomly paired. These are responses to interpersonal conflict.

1. Discuss the level of relationship comfort in an assertive communication exchange.
2. Discuss the need for self-awareness in order to relate to other person(s).
3. Examine the behavior patterns of assertive communicators.
4. Explain the need to develop better skills to deal with assertive people.

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Piven, F. Fox. (2014). Interdependent power: Strategizing for the occupy movement. Current Sociology, 62, 223–231. doi:10.1177/0011392113515138

This article examines the role of power in communication. The study looks at the protest movements that have yielded more power over time. This often creates a sense of interdependence. The idea of inequality stemming directly from power imbalance and positioning is explored. Obstacles to power are examined from the perspective of power as a resource and concept.

1. Discuss how power can be used in positive and negative communication strategies.
2. Explain the use of power in persuasion and manipulation.
3. Discuss the advantage of having power over a situation or relationship.
4. Do obstacles to power present enabling or disabling?

Cameron, D. C. Lindquist, K. A., & Kurt, G. (2015). A constructionist review of morality and emotions: No evidence for specific links between moral content and discrete emotions. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 19, 371–394. doi:10.1177/1088868314566683

This article examines the connection between morality and emotions in communication. The article examines the constructionist perspective. The study suggests a unique pairing of these two components and seeks to find the connection. Correspondence is researched as various methods of communication are examined in conjunction with moral issues and feelings.

1. Discuss the possible connection between morality and emotions.
2. Discuss the rationale that may arise from a moral perspective.
3. Do morality and emotions serve communication exchanges?
4. Explain the process of moral pairing in a two-way communication exchange.

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Boon, S. D., & McLeod, B. A. (2001). Deception in romantic relationships: Subjective estimates of success at deceiving and attitudes toward deception. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 18, 463–476.

Understand the concept of deception in communication. Identify secret keeping strategies.

This article discusses and examines the role of deception in romantic relationships. The information explains the means by which one chooses to deceive and the strategies used. These are determined in their communication styles in the way they avoid or confront their partners when confronted. The deception is defined as any non -verbal or verbal attempt to mask the truth from another. Dealing with suspicion and perceived modes of dishonesty is also discussed.

1. Discuss how the idea of suspicion affects communication in relationships.
2. How does one determine the strategy used for deceptive interpersonal exchanges?
3. Explain the purpose of keeping some information secretive in relationships.
4. Discuss dishonesty as a means of avoiding confrontation.

Murphy, A. M., & Russell, G. (2016). Rejection sensitivity, jealousy, and the relationship to interpersonal aggression. Journal of Interpersonal Violence.

This article is based upon research done by convenience sampling of 247 women. They examine the feelings of rejection in jealousy based relationships. Stable relationships are thought of as being more intimate; however, many relationships continue due to a fear of rejection and loss, while ignoring underlying problems. Dispositions are studied as they influence the communication styles and responses to aggression and sensitivity that vary form one partner to another.

1. Discuss the implications of jealousy as a basis for rejection.
2. Does fear of rejection cause individuals to tolerate unhealthy situations?
3. Explain how aggression influences the response to sensitivity.
4. Examine the role feelings play in the response to rejection in long-term relationships.

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Weigel, D. J., & Ballard-Reisch, D. S. (2012). Constructing commitment in intimate relationships mapping interdependence in the everyday expressions of commitment. Communication Research, 41, 311–332. 

This article examines how relational commitment is expressed through communication. Couples expressed the success of a long term relationship involving hurt as commitment being the key factor in salvaging the relationship. A didactic model of 187 couples was the basis for this study. Interdependence theory is examined from the level of investment and everyday expression of commitment in the relationship.

1. Discuss the meaning of commitment in terms of a long term relationship.
2. Explain the independence theory in terms of a positive or negative component of a relationship.
3. Discuss the terms made by some couples as they merely engage in saving a relationship for the sake of raising children or social convention.
4. Explain the process of investment in communication that fosters commitment.

Henning, K., & Holdford, R. (2006). Minimization, denial, and victim blaming by batterers how much does the truth matter? Criminal Justice and Behavior, 33, 110–130.

This article examines male and female offenders in abusive situations and the rationale used to justify their behaviors. Often the blame is placed on the victim’s behavior or verbal expression as a trigger for violence. Denial is a serious issue that creates a false sense of communication in terms of apologies and forgiveness. The level of trust is broken and the offender continues to deny his/her role in the process. Attributes of blame are examined and self-defense and social desirability are explored.

1. Discuss the role of denial in communication exchanges, verbal and nonverbal.
2. Explain the perceived influence of the victim in terms of the offender's response to abuse.
3. When trust is broken, is it possible to consider social desirability?
4. Discuss the main components of attributes of blame.

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Finch, J. Mason, J. (1990). Divorce, remarriage and family obligations. The Sociological Review, 38, 219–246.

This article examines the relationships that continue after divorce and other relationship fractures. In–laws and children as well as friends are part of the network that must be re-negotiated. The concept of obligation is researched in various forms. Daughter-in-law to parents and former relative’s response to children and step-children are examined. Morality is another communication issue that is raised in terms of socially acceptable behavior. A vignette is used as a case study to demonstrate the situation caused by the ending of a relationship and boundaries.

1. Discuss the role of obligation in the end of a relationship.
2. How much is social convention a part of the continued relationship support?
3. Explain the ways friends are perceived or divided after divorce.
4. Discuss communication in terms of children and step-children negotiation.

Noller, P. (1985). Negative communications in marriage. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 2, 289–301.

This article is based upon research from videos of married couples. The verbiage is examined in terms of negative and positive communication. Most negative messages were sent with a smile and the non-verbals did not match the verbal communication. Serious and hostile messages were viewed as coded and much more aggressive in nature. Vocal variety and channels were more impactful than the actual comments and words that were expressed.

1. Discuss the meaning of negative communication.
2. How is non-verbal communication informing verbal communication in a negative exchange?
3. Explain the coding in a negative response to a remark in a relationship.
4. Discuss the aggression in a negative response that is coded.