SAGE Journal Articles

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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.