The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication / Edition 2

by Brian H. Spitzberg, William R. Cupach

Overview

The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication examines the multifunctional ways in which seemingly productive communication can be destructive—and vice versa—and explores the many ways in which dysfunctional interpersonal communication operates across a variety of personal relationship contexts. This second edition of Brian Spitzberg and William Cupach’s classic volume presents new chapters and topics, along with updates of several chapters in the earlier edition, all in the context of surveying the scholarly landscape for new and important avenues of investigation.

Offering much new content, this volume features internationally renowned scholars addressing such compelling topics as uncertainty and secrecy in relationships; the role of negotiating self in cyberspace; criticism and complaints; teasing and bullying; infidelity and relational transgressions; revenge; and adolescent physical aggression toward parents. The chapters are organized thematically and offer a range of perspectives from both junior scholars and seasoned academics. By posing questions at the micro and macro levels, The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication draws closer to a perspective in which the darker sides and brighter sides of human experience are better integrated in theory and research.

Appropriate for scholars, practitioners, and students in communication, social psychology, sociology, counseling, conflict, personal relationships, and related areas, this book is also useful as a text in graduate courses on interpersonal communication, ethics, and other special topics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805857801
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/22/2007
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	426
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	1380L (what's this?)

About the Author

Spitzberg, Brian H.; Cupach, William R.

Table of Contents

Contents: Part I: Amusing & Bemusing. B.H. Spitzberg, W.R. Cupach, Disentangling the Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication. Part II: Schmoozing, Choosing, and Confusing. L. Knobloch, The Dark Side of Relational Uncertainty: Obstacle or Opportunity. T. Afifi, W. Afifi, J. Caughlin, The Dark Side (and Light Side) of Avoidance and Secrets. M. Whitty, Manipulation of Self in Cyberspace. Part III: Bruising. A.L. Vangelisti, Communicating Hurt. W.R. Cupach,“You’re Bugging Me!”: Complaints and Criticism From a Partner. R.M. Kowalski, Teasing and Bullying. Part IV: (Mis)Using, Accusing, and Excusing. M. Tafoya, B.H. Spitzberg, The Dark Side of Infidelity: Its Nature, Scope, and Communicative Functions. S. Metts, W.R. Cupach, Responses to Relational Transgressions: Hurt, Anger, and Sometimes Forgiveness. Part V: Abusing. S. Yoshimura, The Communication of Revenge: On the Viciousness, Virtues, and Vitality of Vengeful Behavior in Interpersonal Relationships. R. Dailey, C. Lee, B. Spitzberg, Communicative Aggression: Toward a More Interactional View of Psychological Abuse. W. Morgan, S.R. Wilson, Explaining Child Abuse as a Lack of Safe Ground. N. Eckstein, Adolescent-to-Parent Abuse: Exploring the Communicative Patterns Leading to Verbal, Physical, and Emotional Abuse.

Editorial Reviews

"...the editors have accomplished their goal of raising the scholarly consciousness another notch about the less-studied, supposedly negative aspects of interpersonal communication. The individual chapters make interesting and informative reading and the collection as a whole is a useful addition to the interpersonal literature."
—Journal of Language and Social Psychology

"For the reader who is interested in learning more about the normalization of the less-than-fun side of communication, this volume presents a nice sampler on a variety of topics."
—Public Relations Review

"The chapters provide useful reviews of the issues, along with suggestions for new directions that will help guide future research. The book is a good addition to any relationship scholar's collection, especially for those scholars interested in the dark side of relationships. The book would be appropriate for graduate seminars in close relationships in a number of disciplines such as social psychology and communications."
—Karen Wilson, PsycCRITIQUES

From the Publisher