Four-phase model of interpersonal relationships: choice, beginning, deepening, termination¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 associational), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The article conceptualizes relationships as a process of four phases through which dyads progress. In the Choice phase people decide whether to pursue a relationship; in the Beginning phase success depends on the participants' favored interpersonal styles meshing; in the Deepening phase flexibility of styles becomes important as interactants gather common experiences; and all dyads eventually terminate, requiring effective disengagement. The authors state: "we conceptualize relationships as a process consisting of at least four major phases; choice, beginning, deepening and termination."

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Progression through the Beginning phase depends on the effectiveness of the participants' opening or favorite interpersonal styles meshing successfully

Constraints¶

• The model takes the dyad as the simplest case of interaction

Target Learners¶

• adults forming and maintaining interpersonal relationships

Target Learning Objectives¶

• understanding the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships

Claims¶

• Phase analysis showed Ethan leading the interaction with sameness in Communion and oppositeness in Agency, while Sam led in Communion but followed in Agency [+W]

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Duke, Marshall P. and Nowicki, Stephen. (1979). A Social Learning Theory Conceptualization of Interpersonal Relationships. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED183975