A Markov analysis of strangers', roommates', and married couples' conversational focus on their relationships
- 30 December 1979
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in Southern Speech Communication Journal
- Vol. 45 (1) , 55-68
- https://doi.org/10.1080/10417947909372437
Abstract
This study examines the process of relational definition, or individuals' maneuvers to define or redefine their interpersonal relationships. A category scheme was devised to operationalize “focus on the relationship” and was applied to conversations between strangers, roommates, and married couples and to low‐and high‐trusting pairs of each. Results indicate that persons rarely referenced their relationships directly in these discussions, yet once a relationship was referenced, it was more likely than expected to be referenced again. The findings were discussed relative to counseling and therapy techniques which encourage relational examination and evaluation.Keywords
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