Expanding the analysis of social orientations by reference to the sequential–temporal structure of situations

The purpose of this paper is to identify logically the types of choice points that people encounter in their interpersonal relationships. It is assumed that associated with each type of choice point is a special class of choice criterion or decision rule. Therefore, identifying the types of choice points provides a basis for distinguishing the various decision criteria that are required by interdependent life and that should be assessed in order to predict patterns of interpersonal interaction. This paper explains how these distinctions will serve to expand our thinking about social orientations. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Relational Expectancy Fulfillment as an Explanatory Variable for Distinguishing Couple Types

Previous research demonstrates that Traditional and Separate-Traditional (Mixed) couples report highest levels of marital satisfaction, followed by Independents and Separates (Fitzpatrick, 1988). This research project used an expectancy fulfillment framework to understand these differences in marital satisfaction across couple type. Focusing on relational expectations (Kelley & Burgoon, 1991) as critical variables to relational functioning, behavior-expectation discrepancy scores across 7 relational dimensions (intimacy, dominance, equality-trust, receptivity, distance, noncomposure-arousal, and informality) were examined by couple type. As predicted, Traditional couples generally reported more expectancy fulfillment and relational satisfaction than did other couple types, and Separates less. Only informality failed to distinguish between any 2 couple types. Interestingly, Traditionals experienced primarily positive expectancy violations, whereas Separates experienced more negative violations than did other couple types. Couples also differed as to what they considered a positive or negative violation. Both couple type and relational discrepancy scores were found to be important predictors of relational satisfaction.     

CONVERSATIONAL DEVIANCE: A STRUCTURAL MODEL

Expectation violations are common interpersonal communication occurrences. A prerequisite of communication competence then is the ability to deal effectively with the unexpected in conversation. A structural model of existing relationships among variables considered important to children's ability to handle conversational deviance, specifically three successive turn-taking violations, was proposed and tested in this investigation. Children ranging in age from 3 years, 5 months to 11 years, 5 months served as subjects. Results of the study suggest that cognitive complexity plays an influential role in the development of children's ability to provide accounts for conversational deviance as well as the ability to provide alternative strategies for the completion of conversations disrupted by improper turn-taking. Social perspective-taking and communication adaptation ability appear to play less significant roles.