Five Key Theories of Relational Communication: Applied

Five Key Theories of Relational Communication: Applied

The Social Exchange Theory is the process we go through in relationships in order to try and maximize the rewards and minimize the costs in the relationship by weighing the negatives versus the positives, and evaluating whether the relationship is worth continuing.

In this point in the television series " Friends", Ross Geller is currently dating a paleontologist he had met during his recent archeological dig in China. In the season before, we learned that Ross had feelings for one of the other members of their group of "Friends" yet this "Friend", Rachel, seemed to have none of the same feelings. In the Episode "The One With the List", Ross finds out that Rachel actually does have feelings for him after all. In order to decide whether to remain with his current girlfriend Julie, or begin dating Rachel, Ross applies the Social Exchange Theory by composing a pros and cons list on his computer. The list Ross creates with his Friends compares the risks and rewards associated with being with each of the two women. The list he creates helps him decide which of the two women he will pursue. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLeRXUcMCdI)

The Social Penetration Theory describes the developmental steps a relationship goes through, in order to heighten the intimacy of a given relationship.

In the episode of "Friends", The One with Joey's Dirty Day, In order to gain brownie points with her boss, Rachel commits to entertaining her bosses niece Emily that is in town for the weekend from England. After making her commitment, a guy Rachel has feelings for asks if she will join him at his club opening. In order to make the club opening, Rachel convinces Ross to take Emily out in her place. The Social Penetration Theory takes place in this clip as Ross and Emily go from the initiating stage meeting for the first time that night when Emily comes to the door, to the intensifying stage as the "Friends" get a call from Ross the next day finding out that the two of them spent the entire night together and are now taking a vacation together in Vermont. (http://www.tbs.com/video/index/0,,41445||,00.html)

The Relational Dialectics Theory deals with the idea that we want our cake and want to eat it too. It explains the continuing battles that take place within our interpersonal relationships coming from our desire to have both sides of opposing tendencies and how you attempt to find a balance.

In the episode of " Sex and the City" The Good Fight, Aiden and Carrie had just moved in together. This clip shows the two of them going through Carrie's closet, and Aiden suggesting things to throw out. The more Aiden continues to pressure Carrie to get rid of things to make space for his things, the more she begins to argue and get upset about