Stages of Relational Development
Berger and Calabrese separate the initial interaction of strangers into three stages: the entry stage, the personal stage, and the exit stage. Each stage includes interactional behaviors that serve as indicators of liking and disliking.
The entry stage of relational development is characterized by the use of behavioral norms. The contents of the exchanges are often demographic and transactional. The level of involvement will increase as the strangers move into the second stage.
The second stage, or personal phase, occurs when strangers begin to explore one another's attitudes and beliefs. Individuals typically enter this stage after they have had several entry stage interactions with a stranger. One will probe the other for indications of their values, morals and personal issues. Emotional involvement tends to increase as disclosure increases.
The final stage of interactional development is the exit phase. Here, the former strangers decide whether they want to continue to develop a relationship. If there is not mutual liking, either can choose not to pursue a relationship.
Understanding the cycle of relational development is key to studying how people seek to reduce uncertainty about others.
Dainton and Brook say “Relational uncertainty will be positively associated with jealousy, negatively associated with maintenance, and negatively associated with trust”.
Read more about this topic: Uncertainty Reduction Theory
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