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Close Encounters
Communication in Relationships
Seventh Edition
- Laura K. Guerrero - Arizona State University, USA
- Peter A. Andersen - San Diego State University, USA
- Walid A. Afifi - University of California, Santa Barbara, USA, University of Iowa, USA
January 2027 | SAGE Publications, Inc
Taking a relational approach to the study of interpersonal communication, this best-selling text helps students better understand their relationships with romantic partners, friends, and family members. Updated with the most current research findings and advances in theory, Close Encounters, Seventh Edition offers insightful examples and case studies to show how state-of-the-art research and theory can be applied to specific issues within relationships. While maintaining the spotlight on communication, authors Laura Guerrero, Peter Andersen, and Walid Afifi also emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the study of personal relationships by including research from such disciplines as social psychology and family studies. The text covers issues relevant to developing, maintaining, repairing, and ending relationships. Both the “bright” and “dark” sides of interpersonal communication within relationships are explored, offering a comprehensive overview of the varied dynamics of close relationships. The Seventh Edition features new research on technology-mediated communication in areas such as online dating, sexting, and cancel culture.
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Chapter 1: Conceptualizing Relational Communication: Definitions and Principles
Chapter 2: Communicating Identity: The Social Self
Chapter 3: Drawing People Together: Forces of Interpersonal Attraction
Chapter 4: Making Sense of Our World: Managing Uncertainty and Expectancy Violations
Chapter 5: Developing Relationships: Stages and Turning Points
Chapter 6: Communicating Closeness: Affection, Immediacy, and Social Support
Chapter 7: Too Close for Comfort: Avoidance and Privacy
Chapter 8: Making a Love Connection: Styles of Love and Attachment
Chapter 9: Communicating Sexually: The Closest Physical Encounter
Chapter 10: Staying Close: Maintaining Relationships
Chapter 11: Coping With Conflict: When Relational Partners Disagree
Chapter 12: Influencing Each Other: Dominance and Power Plays in Relationships
Chapter 13: Hurting the Ones We Love: Relational Transgressions and Intimate Partner Violence
Chapter 14: Healing the Hurt: Relationship Repair and Reconciliation
Chapter 15: Ending Relationships and Moving On: Relationship Disengagement
Glossary
References