Knapp's Model (PRINT)

�Knapp�s Model

�Escalating Stages (coming together)

�Initiating:

�Relatively short stage

�Introduce yourself

��Hello. Nice to meet you?�

�Interactants are concerned with making favorable impressions on each other

�As we scan the person, we consider our own stereotypes, any prior knowledge of the other�s reputation, what we expect, etc.

�We�re asking ourselves if this person is attractive or unattractive

�Experimenting:

�Asking of Q�s

�Finding out about the other person

��What do you do?� �You like to dance? So do I.� �How do you know_____?� (small talk)

�This is where similarities are found

�Norm that says, �If you tell me your hometown, I�ll tell you mine.�

�Like an audition

�Pleasant and uncritical

�Many relationships don�t go beyond

�Intensifying:

�Strengthening interpersonal development

�Increased self disclosure

�Breadth and depth increase significantly

�Spend more time together (shared activities)

�Start sharing a language

�Doing favors for one another and giving tokens of affection

�Expectation of relationship commitment

�Labels form

�Using �we� and �us�

��I think I love you.� �I really like you�

�Integrating:

�Interdependence

�Lives are fused

�Similarities in manner, dress, and verbal behavior

�Others see you as a pair

�Disclosure deepens immensely here

�Relationship norms (rituals)

��We are like one person.� �I feel so much a part of you.�

�Bonding:

�Public commitment

�Look to this person for assistance with self concept

�Few relationships ever reach this stage

��I want to be with you forever.�

�De-escalation (coming apart)

�Differentiating:

�To disengage or uncouple

�Differences may be interests or attitudes

�Sign of stress in the relationship

�Physical contact decreases

�Start thinking in terms of �me� instead of �we�

�Conflict becomes more regular

�Warning sign that couples need to discuss issues

�Can try to save the relationship here

��I just don�t understand you.�

�Circumscribing:

�Become increasingly distant

�Quality and quantity of communication decreases

�Question their relationship

�Ignore issues/avoid topics

��Don�t ask me about that.� �Let�s not talk about that anymore.�

�Stagnating:

��Hollow shell of its former self�

�The relationship isn�t moving anywhere

�Not so much of a couple anymore

�Messages between the couple are now reflective to those of strangers 

�Feel trapped

�People begin to notice 

��I know what you�re going to say, and you know what I'm going to say.�

�Avoiding:

�Direct or indirect avoidance

�Don�t discuss anything at all

�Treating the other as if they don�t exist

�The relationship has ended in all but the most formal ways

��Sorry, I�m really busy. I can�t see you.�

�Possibility of lowered self concept when being ignored

�Terminating:

�Divorce, break-up

�Occurs due to physical separation, growing socially or psychologically apart, or the death of one of the partners