about relational development

Relationships are described by assumptions under which two or more individuals communicate and connect. According to Knapp, Vangelisti, and Caughlin, relationships are desirable when all parties involved are satisfied and well (11). Beginning, growth, sustenance, and eventually decay are the four major phases of relational development. Connection is one of the most important aspects of social formation in these stages. Several films depict this stage of relationship formation, but none surpasses the film At Middleton. Directed by Adam Rodgers, the film takes the viewer through the relationship development phases of Edith Martin and George Hartman as well as that of their children Conrad and Audrey (Rodgers). The events that take place particularly the interaction and communication between George and Edith perfectly exemplify the first two stages of relational development.

The first stage of relational development encompasses the beginning where communication focuses on increasing knowledge concerning each other. The conversations also increase interaction with possible instances of unhappiness with specific social conditions. However, the individuals in this stage tend to avoid taking any action to address their grievances although individual effort may be preferred (Knapp, Vangelisti and Caughlin 33). George and Edith’s first interaction begins with a confrontation about parking space where Edith parks where George intended to do the same. The first conversation is therefore limited to recognition and the brief encounter with Edith saying that if there is parking space, there is no need for complicating things, instead, to celebrate (Rodgers). However, their second meet is more intentional when Edith’s interest is piqued by George’s signal seeking antics. The first few words they exchange apparently indicate that the two intend to know each other more. For instance, Edith mentions that the tours are feckless possibly to find out George’s opinion. Likewise, George guesses that Edith is a schoolteacher. In a short while, George reveals his profession, and a moment later, they exchange names hence completing the first communication barrier. As time goes on, they delve deeper into each other’s lives including talking about their children and spouses, and they, therefore, move to the next stage of relationship development.

Knapp, Vangelisti, and Caughlin mention the stage of relationship development is characterized by increasing disclosure with a certain level of intimacy, frequent communication, interdependence and overcoming obstacles that were previously present (23). George and Edith exhibit these defining elements of the relationship development. Not only do they converse regularly but also reveal their real characters and behavior. For instance, when riding bikes, George is open enough to mention that he thinks he lost a testicle on a bumpy ride. In another scenario, George and Edith interrupt an acting session. The two are requested to put on and show and in the process, they put aside their inhibition, and they connect emotionally (Rodgers). Overwhelmed with emotion during their acting, their conversation portrays their innermost feelings and experiences hence eliciting higher levels of intimacy than the initial stage. Furthermore, their interdependence is also visible when they do things together including Edith asking George about where he thinks are the whereabouts of the tour group.

In a nutshell, relational development takes place in the stages mentioned above. As such, the film entitled At Middleton illustrates how two people meet, and through continuous communication, they overcome their individual barriers to become emotionally connected and interdependent and intimate. The events that take place confirm the fact that the stages of relational development are practical and they take place in the day-to-day interaction among individuals.

Works Cited

At Middleton. Dir. Adam Rodgers. Perf. Andy García, et al. 2013. DVD.

Knapp, Mark L., Anita L. Vangelisti and John P. Caughlin. Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, 2014.