Question 1

It is beneficial, according to Berzon, for couples to adhere to certain, fixed gender roles throughout the life of their relationships.

Accepted Answer

Berzon does not advocate for strict adherence to fixed gender roles in relationships; rather, flexibility and negotiation of roles can contribute to healthier and more adaptable partnerships.

Question 2

The gender role dialectic focuses on the tension between accepting traditional gender differences and finding new definitions of masculinity and femininity.

Accepted Answer

The gender role dialectic indeed revolves around the tension between adhering to traditional gender roles and exploring new interpretations of what it means to be masculine or feminine, reflecting the ongoing societal debate and evolution in understanding gender.

Question 3

According to Gottman, criticism is a positive tool couples can use to express their feelings regarding their partners' specific actions.

Accepted Answer

Gottman identifies criticism as one of the "Four Horsemen" that predict relationship failure, suggesting it is a negative way to express feelings that often leads to conflict rather than constructive communication.

Question 4

Complaining is one of Gottman's "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse."

Accepted Answer

Complaining is not one of Gottman's "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse." The four horsemen actually are criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.

Question 5

Describe Duck's filtering theory of attraction. What kinds of characteristics make people attractive at each stage of filtering? Do you believe that people who have been eliminated by one filter can ever be reconsidered? Discuss.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

Discuss the notion of "dialectic tension" in intimate relationships. In particular, comment on the ways people can manage the expressive/protective and the autonomy/togetherness dialectics.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Discuss how dating and romance have changed across time, using information from the two boxes in this chapter.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

Discuss the pattern of relational dissolution in Knapp's model. Name each stage and describe what happens in it. Offer at least three suggestions for ways couples can slow down or reverse the process of relational dissolution.

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

What is conflict containment? Be sure to include in your response a discussion of the following methods: gunnysacking, fractionating, and negative inquiry.

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

What kind of conditions lead to intimacy? Be sure to include Braiker and Kelley's research as well as some discussion of intimacy readiness.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

Identify at least three factors of attraction and explain how they apply to interpersonal relationships.

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Discuss Rawlins' stages of friendship. Do you agree or disagree with this progression? What conclusions can be drawn from this developmental model?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

According to Jeanne Marecek, what three ways do traditional gender roles typically affect same-sex dyads?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Examine each of Gottman's "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," mentioning specifically their fundamental characteristics and the ways in which they are detrimental to relationships.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 11: Creating Intimate Relationships