Engaging Theories in Interpersonal Communication

Highlights the key theories used to guide interpersonal communication research, featuring chapters written by leading scholars in the field. Both classic and cutting edge theories are explored, and applications of the theory in question are discussed in each chapter.

Winner of the 2017 NCA Gerald R. Miller Book Award!

Use and Understand Interpersonal Communication Theories

Engaging Theories in Interpersonal Communication: Multiple Perspectives highlights key theories used to guide interpersonal communication research. TheSecond Edition features 30 theory chapters written by leading scholars in interpersonal communication, including new coverage of evolutionary theories, Problematic Integration Theory, supportive communication theories, Theory of Motivated Information Management, critical approaches to interpersonal communication, and Media Multiplexity Theory. Each theory chapter follows the same structure to help readers easily find and compare information across theories. An updated introductory chapter maps the history and the current state of interpersonal communication theory since publication of the first edition, based on comprehensive analysis of published scholarship.  Presenting both classic and cutting-edge issues, the book organizes theories into three clusters—theories that are individually-centered; theories that are focused on discourse and interaction processes; and theories that examine how communication functions in personal relationships. All authors interweave abstract theoretical concepts with concrete examples in order to maximize readability and comprehension.

Introduction: Meta-Theory and Theory in Interpersonal Communication Research - Dawn O. Braithwaite, Paul Schrodt, and Kristen Carr
PART I: Individually Centered Theories of Interpersonal Communication
Action Assembly Theory: Forces of Creation - John O. Greene
Attribution Theory: Finding Good Cause in the Search for Theory - Brian H. Spitzberg and Valerie Manusov
Evolutionary Theories: Explaining the Links Between Biology and Interpersonal Communication - Tamara Afifi, Shardé Davis, and Amanda Denes
Goals-Plans-Action Theory of Message Production: Making Influence Messages - James Price Dillard
Imagined Interaction Theory: Mental Representations of Interpersonal Communication - James M. Honeycutt
Planning Theory of Communication: Goal Attainment Through Communicative Action - Charles R. Berger
Problematic Integration Theory and Uncertainty Management Theory: Learning to Hear and Speak to Different Forms of Uncertainty - Austin S. Babrow and Katie M. Striley
Relational Framing Theory: Drawing Inferences About Relationships From Interpersonal Interactions - Rachel M. McLaren and Denise Haunani Solomon
Supportive Communication Theories: Dual-Process Theory of Supportive Message Outcomes and Advice Response Theory - Graham D. Bodie and Erina L. MacGeorge
Theory of Motivated Information Management: Struggles With Uncertainty and Its Outcomes - Walid A. Afifi and Stephanie Robbins
PART II: Discourse/Interaction-Centered Theories of Interpersonal Communication
Communication Accommodation Theory: A Situated Framework for Relational, Family, and Intergroup Dynamics - Howard Giles and Jordan Soliz
Communication Theory of Identity: Multilayered Understandings of Performed Identities - Michael L. Hecht
Critical Approaches to Interpersonal Communication: Charting a Future - Leslie A. Baxter and Bryan Asbury
Critical Feminist Theories: Giving Voice and Visibility to Women’s Experiences in Interpersonal Relations - Julia T. Wood
Expectancy Violations Theory and Interaction Adaptation Theory: From Expectations to Adaptation - Cindy H. White
Face Theory: Goffman’s Dramatistic Approach to Interpersonal Interaction - Sandra Metts and William R. Cupach
Grounded Practical Theory: Theorizing Communicative Practices - Karen Tracy
Narrative Theories: Making Sense of Interpersonal Communication - Jody Koenig Kellas
Politeness Theory: How We Use Language to Save Face - Daena J. Goldsmith and Emily Lamb Normand
Relational Dialectics Theory: Navigating Meaning From Competing Discourses - Leslie A. Baxter and Kristen M. Norwood
Speech Codes Theory: Traces of Culture in Interpersonal Communication - Gerry Philipsen
PART III: Relationship-Centered Theories of Interpersonal Communication
Affection Exchange Theory: A Bio-Evolutionary Look at Affectionate Communication - Kory Floyd, Colin Hesse, and Mark Alan Generous
Attachment Theory: A Communication Perspective - Laura K. Guerrero
Communication Privacy Management Theory: Significance for Interpersonal Communication - Sandra Petronio and Wesley T. Durham
Interpersonal Deception Theory: Purposive and Interdependent Behavior During Deceptive Interpersonal Interactions - Judee K. Burgoon and David B. Buller
Media Multiplexity Theory: Technology Use and Interpersonal Tie Strength - Andrew M. Ledbetter
The Relational Turbulence Model: Communicating During Times of Transition - Leanne K. Knobloch
Stage Theories of Relationship Development: Charting the Course of Interpersonal Communication - Paul A. Mongeau and Mary Lynn Miller Henningsen
Social Exchange Theories: Calculating the Rewards and Costs of Personal Relationships - Laura Stafford
Social Information Processing Theory: Impressions and Relationship Development Online - Joseph B. Walther