HDFS 2000 EXAM 3 STUDY GUIDE
communication and conflict - Answer --communication is key to maintaining a relationship
-conflict is inevitable
-conflict is =/= bad relationship
verbal and nonverbal communication - Answer --verbal communication expresses the basic
content of the message
-nonverbal communication reflect more of the relationship part of the message: the attitude of the
speaker, how the words are to be interpreted
the functions of nonverbal communication - Answer --nonverbal communication has three
important functions in relationships
-conveying interpersonal attitudes
-expressing emotions
-handling the ongoing interaction
premarital communication patterns and marital satisfaction - Answer -there are some predictors in
a relationship based on premarital communication patterns:
-if communication is poor before marriage, it is likely to continue in the early years of marriage
-whether a couples interactions are basically negative or positive can later predict marital
satisfaction
power, conflict, and intimacy - Answer -The politics of family life—who has more power, who
makes the decisions, and who does what—are complex and can be a source of conflict between
spouses or intimate partners.
Power in marital and other relationships has been said to consist of:
-Power bases.
-Power processes.
-Power outcomes.
explanations of marital power - Answer --relative love and need theory: explains power in term's of
the individual's involvement and needs in the relationship
-principle of least interest: the partner with he least interest in continuing a relationship enjoys the
most power in it
explanations of marital power pt. 2 - Answer --resource theory of power: the partner with the sole
or larger source of the financial resources on which the couple depends has the most power
-feminist or gender perspective: societal inequalities filter down into marriages
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, why is power in relationships so important? - Answer -power-->conflict
what do couples fight about? - Answer -Money
Sex
Division of household labor
Time spent together
Children
In-laws
"Tremendous Trifles" - personal habits, preferences, manners of day-to-day living
conflict strategies - Answer -Destructive conflict management involves:
Mutual avoidance
Demand-withdraw.
Coercion.
Obliging.
pursue/withdraw cycles - Answer --Typically two roles a pursuer and a withdrawer
-Hetero relationships: _female_ is typically the pursuer and _male_ is typically the withdrawer.
-Pursuers and withdrawers typically do _NOT_ get what they want out of the relationship
pursue/withdraw cycles pt. 2 - Answer -Pursuers want to feel _comforted and loved_ (often feel
afraid)
Withdrawers want to feel _competent_ (often feel angry)
-In heterosexual romantic relationships the female is typically the pursuer and the male is typically
the withdrawer
validating couples - Answer -Considered by most to _be the best conflict style_
Compromise often
Calmly work out problems towards a mutual satisfaction
Listen respectfully
Confirm partner's feelings
Low levels of negativity
Experience high levels of support and empathy
It is common and normal for couples to have disagreements or conflicts. - Answer -true
Conflict can be beneficial. - Answer -true
Nonverbal messages are used to express the basic content of the message. - Answer -false
One of the most important reasons money is a conflict for couples is because of power issues. -
Answer -true
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communication and conflict - Answer --communication is key to maintaining a relationship
-conflict is inevitable
-conflict is =/= bad relationship
verbal and nonverbal communication - Answer --verbal communication expresses the basic
content of the message
-nonverbal communication reflect more of the relationship part of the message: the attitude of the
speaker, how the words are to be interpreted
the functions of nonverbal communication - Answer --nonverbal communication has three
important functions in relationships
-conveying interpersonal attitudes
-expressing emotions
-handling the ongoing interaction
premarital communication patterns and marital satisfaction - Answer -there are some predictors in
a relationship based on premarital communication patterns:
-if communication is poor before marriage, it is likely to continue in the early years of marriage
-whether a couples interactions are basically negative or positive can later predict marital
satisfaction
power, conflict, and intimacy - Answer -The politics of family life—who has more power, who
makes the decisions, and who does what—are complex and can be a source of conflict between
spouses or intimate partners.
Power in marital and other relationships has been said to consist of:
-Power bases.
-Power processes.
-Power outcomes.
explanations of marital power - Answer --relative love and need theory: explains power in term's of
the individual's involvement and needs in the relationship
-principle of least interest: the partner with he least interest in continuing a relationship enjoys the
most power in it
explanations of marital power pt. 2 - Answer --resource theory of power: the partner with the sole
or larger source of the financial resources on which the couple depends has the most power
-feminist or gender perspective: societal inequalities filter down into marriages
1/
15
, why is power in relationships so important? - Answer -power-->conflict
what do couples fight about? - Answer -Money
Sex
Division of household labor
Time spent together
Children
In-laws
"Tremendous Trifles" - personal habits, preferences, manners of day-to-day living
conflict strategies - Answer -Destructive conflict management involves:
Mutual avoidance
Demand-withdraw.
Coercion.
Obliging.
pursue/withdraw cycles - Answer --Typically two roles a pursuer and a withdrawer
-Hetero relationships: _female_ is typically the pursuer and _male_ is typically the withdrawer.
-Pursuers and withdrawers typically do _NOT_ get what they want out of the relationship
pursue/withdraw cycles pt. 2 - Answer -Pursuers want to feel _comforted and loved_ (often feel
afraid)
Withdrawers want to feel _competent_ (often feel angry)
-In heterosexual romantic relationships the female is typically the pursuer and the male is typically
the withdrawer
validating couples - Answer -Considered by most to _be the best conflict style_
Compromise often
Calmly work out problems towards a mutual satisfaction
Listen respectfully
Confirm partner's feelings
Low levels of negativity
Experience high levels of support and empathy
It is common and normal for couples to have disagreements or conflicts. - Answer -true
Conflict can be beneficial. - Answer -true
Nonverbal messages are used to express the basic content of the message. - Answer -false
One of the most important reasons money is a conflict for couples is because of power issues. -
Answer -true
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