Wood, Julia T. : University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Summary
This text is a sophisticated and comprehensive integration of current theory and research on communication and
relationships. It emphasizes communication as the primary process through which individuals create, develop, and
sustain intimate relationships while exploring the many ways gender, culture, and social context affect communication
in personal interactions.
Author recognized as a leading scholar in the area.
Thorough inclusion of material on homosexual, intercultural, and interracial intimate relationships in Chapter
4.
Accessible, insightful writing style synonymous with the name Julia Wood.
Elimination of general communication topics in old Chapters 2 through 6, replacing this deleted material with a
focused introduction to relational communication.
"The Role of Theories in Understanding Personal Relationships" (formerly Chapter 2) has been redistributed
throughout the text.
Combination of Chapters 3, 4, and 6 into one chapter entitled "Communication: The Central Dynamic in Personal
Relationships."
Old Chapter 7 ("Relational Culture") now Chapter 4.
New skills pedagogy: chapter-opening Key Concepts lists and end-of-chapter questions.
New information on technology's role in intimate relationships in Chapters 4 and 6.
New interior design to accommodate new features, charts, tables, and lists will enhance visual variety.
Addition of 1 cartoon per chapter.
Stronger, revised Student Voices sections that appeal to a higher-level audience.
Greater attention throughout text to ways of repairing troubled relationships.
Softening of critique of social exchange theory in Chapter 8.
Table of Contents
PART ONE: CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS FOR STUDYING PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS.
1. Introduction to Communication and Personal Relationships.
Key Concepts.
About This Book.
The Nature of Personal Relationships.
First Insights into Personal Relationships.
Influences on Personal Relationships.
Chapter Summary.
For Further Reflection and Discussion.
Recommended Readings.
2. Theoretical Insights into Personal Relationships.
Key Concepts.
Theorizing Society.
Theorizing Social Communities.
Theorizing Individuals.
Theorizing Relationship Dynamics.
Chapter Summary.
For Further Reflection and Discussion.
Recommended Readings.
3. Communication: The Central Dynamic in Personal Relationships.
Key Concepts.
Communication as Symbolic Interaction.
Premises About Communication.
Chapter Summary.
For Further Reflection and Discussion.
Recommended Readings.
4. Relational Culture-The Nucleus of Intimacy.
Key Concepts.
Relational Culture.
Central Dynamics of Relational Culture.
Chapter Summary.
For Further Reflection and Discussion.
Recommended Readings.
5. The Social Context of Personal Relationships.
Key Concepts.
The Best and Worst of Times.
Culture as a Context of Intimacy.
Current Social Trends.
Reconfiguring Personal Identity.
Affirming Personal Agency.
Chapter Summary.
For Further Reflection and Discussion.
Recommended Readings.
PART TWO: THE EVOLUTION OF PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS.
6. Launching Personal Relationships.
Key Concepts.
A Developmental Perspective on Intimacy.
Initial Interaction: The Genesis of Relationships.
Explorational Communication: Reducing Uncertainty.
Developmental Dialogue.
Tendencies in Early Relationship Development.
Chapter Summary.
For Further Reflection and Discussion.
Recommended Readings.
7. Committing to Personal Relationships.
Key Concepts.
Passionate Love and Commitment: Different Issues.
Styles of Loving.
Communication Processes During Committing.
Building Relational Culture.
Publicizing the Relationship.
Intimate Commitment.
Chapter Summary.
For Further Reflection and Discussion.
Recommended Readings.
8. Maintaining and Repairing Personal Relationships.
Alternative Approaches to Relationship Continuity.
Everyday Rhythms in Personal Relationships.
Dynamic Equilibrium: Change as Constant.
Strategies to Maintain and Repair Relationships.
Gendered Standpoints on Personal Relationships.
Chapter Summary.
For Further Reflection and Discussion.
Recommended Readings.
9. Transforming and Ending Personal Relationships.
Processes of Relationship Deterioration.
Symptoms and Sources of Decline in Personal Relationships.
Ending and Redefining Personal Relationships.
Chapter Summary.
For Further Reflection and Discussion.
Recommended Readings.
10. Summing Up: Communication, Choice, Commitment, and Change in Personal Relationships.
