Interpersonal Communication Through the Life Span » (1st Edition)

Communication scholars increasingly recognize the influence life stages have on communication. This book presents concepts from a unique life span orientation so that readers can gain a better understanding of the impact the life span has on interpersonal communication and relationships.

The authors include an abundance of current theory and research and also incorporate scholarship from psychology and sociology. Section Two is organized around four specific life stages: early to middle childhood—addresses topics such as emotional and conflict competence; adolescence to young adulthood—examines identity, self-disclosure, how relationships form, and relationships outside the family; adulthood to middle-adulthood—covers marital and family communication, and gender issues; elderly—looks at multi-generational issues, grandparenting, communication challenges for the elderly, and romance and intimacy for the elderly.

Chapter 1. Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

Section One: Understanding Interpersonal Communication

I. Components of an Interpersonal Communication Situation—Communicators

Chapter 2. Self-Concept and Interpersonal Communication

Chapter 3. Emotion and Interpersonal Communication

Chapter 4. Person Perception and Listening in Interpersonal Communication

II. Components of an Interpersonal Communication Situation—Content

Chapter 5. Nonverbal Communication in Interpersonal Interactions

Chapter 6. Language in Interpersonal Communication

III. Components of an Interpersonal Communication Situation—Context

Chapter 7. Establishing the Relational Context

Chapter 8. The Cultural Context of Interpersonal Communication

Section Two: Interpersonal Communication through the Life Span

IV. Communication Challenges in Childhood

Chapter 9. Emotional Competence

Chapter 10. Developing Conflict Competence

V. Communication Challenges in Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Chapter 11. Developing Relationships outside the Family

Chapter 12. Intimate Relationships for Adolescents and Young Adults

VI. Communication Challenges in Adulthood

Chapter 13. Marital and Partnership Communication

Chapter 14. Family Communication

VII. Communication Challenges for the Elderly

Chapter 15. Communication in Our Elder Years