Relationship Development (Process)
Knapp's Relationship Escalation Model
Initiation
This stage is very short, sometimes as short as 10-15 seconds. In this stage, interactants are concerned with making
favorable impressions on each other. They may use standard greetings or observe each other's appearance or
mannerisms.
Experimenting
In the next stage, individuals ask questions of each other in order to gain information about them and decide if they wish
to continue the relationship. "Many relationships progress no further than this point" 17.
Intensifying
Self-disclosure becomes more common in the intensifying stage. The relationship becomes less formal, the interactants
begin to see each other as individuals, and statements are made about the level of commitment each has to the
relationship.
Integrating
The individuals become a pair in the integrating stage. They begin to do things together and, importantly, others come
to see them as a pair. A shared relational identity starts to form in this stage.
Bonding
During the bonding stage, a formal, sometimes legal, announcement of the relationship is made. Examples include a
marriage, "best-friend" ritual, or business partnership agreement. Few relationships reach this level.
Knapp's Relationship Termination Model
Differentiating
In this stage, partners begin to stress the "me" instead of the "we." In other words, the individuals begin to assert their
independence. They may develop different hobbies or activities. The relationship may continue to dissolve, or this stage
may be a warning sign that the couple needs to address their relationship status.
Circumscribing
Communication between the couple diminishes during this stage. They tend to avoid certain topics of discussion.
Outwardly, the couple appears normal. At this stage, attempts can be made to discuss the relationship and return it to a
positive state.
Stagnating
During the stagnating stage, the individuals avoid discussing the relationship because they think they know what the
other will say. Others begin to take notice that something is wrong.
Avoiding
The pair begins to physically separate themselves during the avoiding stage. The individuals try to reduce the
opportunities for discussion.
Terminating
This is the final stage of the relationship. Termination may come naturally, such as at the end of the semester when
roommates move out, or arbitrarily, through divorce. Termination of the relationship can occur positively or negatively.
Relationship Development (Stage)
Filter Theory
Various “filtering factors” operate during the process of mate selection. These filters come into prominence at
different phases of courtship.
1. Social attributes: including religion, education, and social class.
2. Value consensus: similarity on attitudes and values.
3. Need complementarity: compatible traits, behavioral characteristics, or interpersonal styles.
The Wheel Theory of Love.
Ira Reiss provided a classic theory that focuses on love as a developmental process. It involves four major interpersonal
processes.
1. Rapport: The feeling of being at ease or relaxed with one another.
2. Self-revelation: The disclosure of intimate and personal feelings.
3. Mutual dependence: At this stage, two people develop a reliance on each other for fulfillment and become a
couple.
4. Fulfillment of personality needs: The ability of each partner to satisfy the needs of the other.