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According to Knapp's Model of Relational Development , relationships progress through a series of five steps as they develop, almost like a staircase leading up as a relationship progresses.
The Five Steps include :
The first step in the stages of relationship development is Initiating. This stage is particularly when first impressions are made, typically lasting only a short time. Communication at this stage is superficial, meaning its small talk and mostly nonverbal.
This being the second step in the relationship development, Experimentation. In this stage people try to get to know each other, develop interests that are alike. People ask questions and engage in communication with more depth than juts a simple small talk. The purpose of this step is to determine solely weather or not the relationship should progress or not.
Some relationships tend to go no further than the experimenting stage, but some relationships do go further. In that case they go to the third stage which is Intensifying. In this stage people start to disclose more personal information and the relationship becomes less formal and more personal, the bond grows stronger. people start to spend more time together and tend to develop nicknames and such.
Next in Knapp's stages in the relationship development is Integration. At this point, people make the relationship public, if it hasn't been presented yet. This may also come with labeling the two's relationship, including boyfriend/girlfriend or best friend even. Also at this stage people become more of a combined unit, thinking of themselves as one, we/us rather than you/me.
Lastly, the final step of the relationship development is Bonding. Most people often honor their relationship with a legal commitment; the relationship can end only with a formal notice or legal action. An example of bonding could be a marriage ceremony.
Relationships are ongoing , they require relationship maintenance even after reach the bonding stage. This work is considered neither escalation nor termination; relationship maintenance keeps a relationship at the top of Knapp's staircase model.
Not all relationships last forever, and because of that Knapp not only made a model for growing relationships but a model for relationships that start deteriorating, you can think of it like a staircase leading down. These steps constitute Knapp's model of Relationship Development Termination.
The Steps Include:
The first stage is Differentiating, in this stage the differences between both partners starts to become emphasized. When people progress in a relationship they sometimes due to other external pressures will start thinking individually rather than with the partner. They may start developing hobbies or other interests with out their partner. The relationship will start to fade and everlasting bond will be broken. The feeling of dislike is often expressed by the partners on their commitment.
Circumscribing is one of the early stages of the relationship coming apart; the beginning of the end. Both parties are prescribed their own space. Partners will limit their conversations and will set up boundaries in their communication. One person might walk the dogs while the other might spend time alone in the office. Often people will never communicate the topic fearing an argument. They will have their own personal space and activities.
The third stage is Stagnation, at this point the relationship has declined tremendously and the communication will be more limited. The only reason the partners haven't separated is due to children or other unavoidable reasons. One partners use of third person speaking becomes irritating and something the other party has come to expect. Mostly the relationships in this stage will not continue or improve.
The second to last step to Knapp's Model of Relational Development, Avoidance the partners intentionally avoid any contacts and they will be physically detached. They become separated physically, emotionally, and mentally. They both begin to avoid the others needs and solely start to focus on themselves only.
Terminating is the final stage of coming apart. The relationship completely terminates. The partners will take different paths and will go on about their separate lives. No longer are they both receiving a mutually satisfying outcome from being with one another. Neither one of them are happy and the relationship must come to an end.