Communication in
Relationships
BSHS/385
June 22, 2015
Introduction
A couple named Josh and Kate met on a dating website. After
visiting each other several times, Kate is moving to the state and home
in which Josh resides in.
What is Communication?
Communication comes in many forms. It is not always verbal.
Communication can come in the form of gestures and behaviors.
Communication is how people interact with each other.
What Does Communication
Involve?
Contextual Factors Might Impact Josh and Kate's
Ability to Effectively Communicate
Interpersonally
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•
•
•
Conflict Management
Privacy Management
Emotional Communication
Instrumental Communication
Five Characteristics that Josh and Kate Can Use to
Demonstrate Healthy Communication
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•
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Acknowledge the issue
Listen to the concerns of each other
Collaborate on a solution
Compromise when needed
Implement the solutions
Five Characteristics that Josh and Kate Might Use
to Demonstrate Unhealthy Communication
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Ignoring the issues
Name calling or belittling
Being defensive
Being aggressive
Competing
The Four Styles of Communication
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Aggressive
Passive
Assertive
Passive – Aggressive
How Each Style of Communication Might Be
Demonstrated in Josh and Kate's Relationship
• Aggressive, Demanding the other person move to where they are
located or threaten to break up.
• Passive, always does the traveling instead of alternating trips due to
fear of loosing them.
• Assertive, Wanting to compromise on a location that will work for both.
• Passive – Aggressive, Angry about the move, but doesn’t directly say it.
Which Style is Most Healthy and Why?
• Assertive communication is the Healthiest but not the easiest.
• This is when people are truly honest about their feelings and is
considered to be the best way to ask for what you want and keep in
mind what others want.
Conclusion
Communication is not always...