We prepared an infographic with useful interpersonal relations theories you can apply in building relationships. This edition features: uncertainty reduction theory, theory of interpersonal relations by Hildegaard Peplau, social penetration theory, expectancy violations theory.
Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT)
The uncertainty reduction theory (URT), also known as initial interaction theory, states that people find uncertainty in interpersonal relationships unpleasant and are motivated to reduce it through interpersonal communication. It was developed in 1975 by Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese. They created the uncertainty reduction theory "to explain how communication is used to reduce uncertainties between strangers engaging in their first conversation together". Read more about the uncertainty reduction theory.
Hildegaard Peplau's Theory of Interpersonal Relations
The interpersonal relations theory sees the relationship between two people as a significant, therapeutic, interpersonal process to increase one’s health. The theory was developed for nursing practice by Hildegaard Peplau in 1952. By 1968, the interpersonal techniques became the crux of psychiatric nursing. The interpersonal relations theory identifies four sequential phases of the interpersonal relationship: orientation, identification, explitation, and resolution. Read a review and interpretations of H. Peplau's interpersonal relations theory in Knei blog.
Social penetration theory
The social penetration theory (SPT) postulates that people go from superficial to intimate connections through repeated, positive interactions. The theory was formulated by Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor and presented in their book “Social penetration: The development of interpersonal relationships." (1973)
The main instrument in building and showing trust is self-disclosure. Self-disclosure is “information, thoughts, or feelings we tell others about ourselves that they would not otherwise know” (McLean, 2005). Taking it step by step and not touching on personal questions too soon, two or more can help develop positive relationships.
Expectancy violations theory
Expectancy violations theory asserts that people have expectations about others behaviour and react when somebody violates them. Response depends on the interpretation of the behaviour (positive or negative), the rewardingness of the violator, and the degree of expectation violation.
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