Interpersonal Communication: Communication Climates

Front 1

Communication Climate

Back 1

Refers to the emotional tone of the relationship

Front 2

Ratio of a good couples relationship

Back 2

5:1

Front 3

Ratio of a bad couples relationship

Back 3

1:1

Front 4

Positive Communication Climate

Back 4

Involves Confirming Behaviors

Front 5

Confirming Behavior. Rank 3: Recognition

Back 5

To recognize the other person, (Returning a phone message, giving eye contact), to communicate contact back.

Front 6

Confirming Behavior 2. Rank 2: Acknowledgement

Back 6

Actively listening to somebody vs pseudo-listening.

Front 7

Confirming Behavior 3. Rank 1: Endorsement

Back 7

The strongest type of confirming message because it communicates the highest form of valuing. The most obvious form of endorsement is agreeing.

Front 8

Disconfirming Message: Impervious Response

Back 8

To ignore someone, can be more disconfirming than being dismissed or attacked.

Front 9

Disconfirming Message: Verbal Abuse

Back 9

To cause psychological pain to someone.

Front 10

Disconfirming Message: Generalized Complaining

Back 10

Implies a character fault. (Example: "I wish you would be more friendly." "You need a more positive attitude."

Front 11

Disconfirming Message: Interrupting

Back 11

Beginning to speak before the other person has finished speaking can show lack of concern about what the other person has to say.

Front 12

Disconfirming Message: Irrelevant Response

Back 12

A comment unrelated to what the other person had just said is an irrelevant response.

Front 13

Disconfirming Message: Tangential Response

Back 13

Instead of ignoring the speaker's remarks completely, the other party uses them as a starting point for a shift to a different topic. (example: A: I'd like to know for sure whether you want to go skiing during vacation. If we don't decide whether to go soon, it'll be impossible to get reservations anywhere. B: Yeah. And if I don't pass my botany class, I won't be in the mood to go anywhere. Can you give me help with this homework?)

Front 14

Disconfirming Message: Impersonal Response

Back 14

Impersonal responses are loaded with cliches and other statements that never truly respond to the speaker. (example: A: I've been having some personal problems lately, and I'd like to take off work early a couple of afternoons to clear them up. B: Ah, yes. We all have personal problems. It seems to be a sign of the times.)

Front 15

Disconfirming Message: Ambiguous Response

Back 15

Contain messages with more than one meaning, leaving the other party unsure of the responder's position. (example: A: I'd like to get together with you soon. How about Tuesday? B: Uh, maybe so. A: Well, how about it? Can we talk Tuesday? B: Oh, probably. See you later.)

Front 16

Disconfirming Message: Incongruous Response

Back 16

Contains two messages that seem to deny or contradict each other. Often at least one of these messages is nonverbal. (example: A: Darling, I love you. B: I love you too. (said in a monotone while watching TV.)

Front 17

Effects of positive climates

Back 17

Commitment, Performance, Satisfaction.