Practically Perfect in Every Way: Communication Strategies of Ideal Relational Partners

This study utilized social exchange constructs to examine communication strategies used by self-defined ideal relational partners when initiating dating relationships. Two hundred forty-four participants generated 1183 communication strategies they would use to initiate relationships if they believe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCommunication studies Vol. 57; no. 3; pp. 239 - 257
Main Authors Wildermuth, Susan M., Vogl-Bauer, Sally, Rivera, Julimar
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published West Lafayette Taylor & Francis Group 01.09.2006
Central States Communication Association
Central States Speech Association
Subjects
Analysis
Communication
Communication (Theology)
Communication Strategies
Compliments
Content analysis
Dating
Dating (Social customs)
Dating services
Discourse strategies
Humor
Ideal Relational Partners
Idealism
Interpersonal communication
Personal relationships
Social Exchange
Social life & customs
United States
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Summary:This study utilized social exchange constructs to examine communication strategies used by self-defined ideal relational partners when initiating dating relationships. Two hundred forty-four participants generated 1183 communication strategies they would use to initiate relationships if they believed themselves to be ideal partners. A content analysis revealed 15 categories of communication strategies enacted by ideal relational partners. These categories included initiation, emotional disclosure, direct inquiry, impression management, shared activities, supportive behaviors, information gathering, gift giving, compliments, other-initiated behaviors, assistance from others, self-acceptance, pickup lines, bragging, and use of humor. Implications for interpersonal communication research are discussed.
ISSN:1051-0974
1745-1035
DOI:10.1080/10510970600845891