Posted: September 7th, 2024

Analysis of Interpersonal Relationships

Analysis of Interpersonal Relationships
Interpersonal relationships are defined as relationships where the parties involved share a close association and, in most cases, share common goals. These associations are established due to an individual’s compatibility, trust, commitment, and loyalty that play an imperative role in ensuring the relationships stay healthy and strong (Le, 2018). This paper discusses interpersonal relationships and their stages to developing the relationships while highlighting and the interpersonal relationship I have witnessed.
There are different types of interpersonal relationships depending on the expectations, contexts of interaction, and even the communication between the parties involved. There are various types of interpersonal relations; some are friendship, romantic, professional, and family. Firstly, relations, this type of relationships exists between individuals that are bound by blood or marriage. It could be parent-child relations or husband and wife type of relationship. Secondly, romantic relationships – this is a result of individuals that have mutual admiration for each other. In this case, some individuals decide to have formal romantic relations for essence marriage (Parker, 2021). Thirdly, professional or work-related in this type of relationship has characterized the association shared by persons that work in the same organization or with the same profession. These individuals who share a personal relationship are referred to as colleagues; however, they sometimes do not develop a mutual relationship. Lastly, friendship is developed through unconditional relationships between individuals that enjoy each other’s presence. However, friendships do not have formalities defined by trust and transparency to sustain them (Parker, 2021).
According to the Knapp relationship development model, herein are the steps to its development. Initiation Stage-This is the first step of the relationship whereby an individual meets for the first time. In this stage, it is more of the approach and impressions, whereby one is attracted to one’s dress code, looks and not much is put into paying attention not so subtle signals.
Experimentation-This is the next stage of an interpersonal relationship where individuals get to know each other better. At this stage, the individuals may choose to continue being acquittanced indefinity or take the relationship to another level.
The buildup stages- The buildup stage is the interpersonal relationship stage, where individuals are acquittances and are no longer strangers. There is trust between the individuals fostering the growth of the relationship. This stage’s relationship is determined by the individual’s compatibility, similarity interests, or sharing the same backgrounds.
Continuation Stage -In this stage, the relationships grow and transform into lasting blossoms whereby individuals trust each other. In the continuation stage, replacement is essential as the individual spends quality time with others.
Deterioration stage- In this stage, relationships begin to collapse. However, not all relationships go through this stage; however, those who end up deteriorating most times opt to terminate their relationships. The deterioration results from lack of compatibility, mistrust and misunderstandings, boredom, dissatisfaction, or resentment.
Circumscribing stage – In this stage, the relationships have deteriorated. The individuals begin to set protective boundaries, limited communication, where intimacy is involved, it devolves. The relationships stagnate, parties involved being to avoid each other as a coping mechanism.
Termination stage -This last stage of the relationship is the termination stage, where individuals choose to end their relationships permanently. This could be due to separations, death, or divorce.
We all are a part of interpersonal relationships in different forms. My friend Jenny is having a family relationship after marrying her long-time best friend, Smith. However, their relationships have undergone many mishaps, and Jenny is very close; she has confined in about the situation in her once-happy marriage. She seeks my help to intervene in their relationship. Jenny and Smith are at the deterioration stage. Jenny and Smith have suffered intense communication breakdown. This resulted from a breach of trust that led to Jenny feeling betrayed and conflicted, and confused. Jenny thinks one way to resolve their issues had a third party to whom they could share their frustrations and requests that I have a face-to-face talk with them. There are several approaches to resolving broken relationships depending on the type, and the extent of damage suffered. For Jenny and Smith’s case, to seek and salvage the relationship, Jenny has had more open communications with her family and friends that are a real support system to her. In Additional the couples have sought counseling to help settle their differences and find clarity and strength to overcome the trying times.
I believed in communication; Interpersonal communications play a role in conflict resolution. Having conversations with both Jenny and Smith can express their feelings, emotions through facial expression, tone of voice, body language, and gestures. This led to better understanding and rectifying issues before ending in the final stage of the termination stage. The intervention of a third party, for this instance, a counselor, ensures that each party is allowed to express themselves without minimal interruptions (Orehek, 2018). Both verbal and non-verbal communication play a role in conflict resolution. However, there are other options towards the resolution of such conflicts. Firstly, seeking professional help by involving a marriage counselor will take the couples through a step-by-step process of rebuilding their trust and building term relationships. Secondly, by allowing each individual to take time off to redefine themselves,thus, establish the cause before mending their relationships. Finally, seeking help from close family and friends can help intervene and solve their issues (Le, 2018).
Conclusion
Understanding the stages of interpersonal relationships empowers individuals to safeguard their relationships, repair in case of issues and misunderstandings, or detach from unfavorable relationships. I tout understanding these stages or may find themselves confused and conflicted. Many leads to the break of bonds that help the relationships, which could either be romantic, family work, or friendships. Communication, whether verbal and non-verbal, plays an imperative role in conflict resolution.

References
Le, B. M., Impett, E. A., Lemay Jr, E. P., Muise, A., & Tskhay, K. O. (2018). Communal motivation and well-being in interpersonal relationships: An integrative review and meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 144(1), 1.
Parker, J. D., Summerfeldt, L. J., Walmsley, C., O’Byrne, R., Dave, H. P., & Crane, A. G. (2021). Trait emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships: Results from a 15-year longitudinal study. Personality and individual differences, 169, 110013.
Orehek, E., Forest, A. L., & Barbaro, N. (2018). A people-as-means approach to interpersonal relationships. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 13(3), 373-389.

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