The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805811672 ISBN 13: 9780805811674

Publisher: Routledge, 1994

Synopsis

The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication examines the multifunctional ways in which seemingly productive communication can be destructive―and vice versa―and explores the many ways in which dysfunctional interpersonal communication operates across a variety of personal relationship contexts. This second edition of Brian Spitzberg and William Cupach’s classic volume presents new chapters and topics, along with updates of several chapters in the earlier edition, all in the context of surveying the scholarly landscape for new and important avenues of investigation.   Offering much new content, this volume features internationally renowned scholars addressing such compelling topics as uncertainty and secrecy in relationships; the role of negotiating self in cyberspace; criticism and complaints; teasing and bullying; infidelity and relational transgressions; revenge; and adolescent physical aggression toward parents. The chapters are organized thematically and offer a range of perspectives from both junior scholars and seasoned academics. By posing questions at the micro and macro levels, The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication draws closer to a perspective in which the darker sides and brighter sides of human experience are better integrated in theory and research.   Appropriate for scholars, practitioners, and students in communication, social psychology, sociology, counseling, conflict, personal relationships, and related areas, this book is also useful as a text in graduate courses on interpersonal communication, ethics, and other special topics.

About this title

Review

"...the editors have accomplished their goal of raising the scholarly consciousness another notch about the less-studied, supposedly negative aspects of interpersonal communication. The individual chapters make interesting and informative reading and the collection as a whole is a useful addition to the interpersonal literature."
―Journal of Language and Social Psychology

"For the reader who is interested in learning more about the normalization of the less-than-fun side of communication, this volume presents a nice sampler on a variety of topics."
―Public Relations Review

Synopsis

In examining such topics as incompetence, hurtful messages, double binds and paradox, equivocation and ambiguity, conversational dilemmas, predicaments and embarrassment, deception, relational transgressions and betrayal, family interaction, and physical and psychological abuse, the chapters in this text explore the dark side of social and personal relationships. In the process, it is discovered that often what is assumed to be dark and malevolent can have its benevolent side, and what are generally presumed to be healthy, productive forms of relating can be destructive and pathological.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0805811672
• ISBN 13: 9780805811674
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 344
• Editor: Cupach William R., Spitzberg Brian H.