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Last updated February 14, 2001

Explanation of Theory:

The model of relational development is an explanation put into stages that identifies and develops understanding about the communication experiences that interpersonal communicators experience in terms of changes in intimacy levels. 

Theorist: Mark Knapp

Date:  1984

Primary Article:

     Knapp, M.L. (1984). Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Individual Interpretations:
 

Metatheoretical Assumptions:

Ontological Assumptions:
In terms of reality, the Relational Development Model is more of a scientific theory because it corresponds to the idea that there is one reality which is followed in a precise pattern by progressing through the steps.

Epistemological Assumptions:

This model is humanistic in the sense of researcher and research relationship.  What the researchers discovered is based on what they were interested in studying.

Axiological Assumptions:
In terms of values, the model is about neutrally between humanistic and scienticfic because it can be considered unbiased in that there are certain stages, but the decision of which stage a couple is in is completely based on biases and opinions.

Critique:

The model of relational development is critically a more vague theory, partly because it is a model rather than a theory.  I believe that the model is more humanistic than scientific, however.  Although it presumes that interpersonal relationships will progress through these stages at one time or another, the model is more descriptive in nature because it explains what has already happened better than it predicts exactly what will occur in the future.  It is also quite intuitively credible because it is practicable and usable.  Another reason this model appears to be more humanistic is in the vagueness of the stage identification. 
 

Ideas and Implications:

The relational stages model is useful to apply in all situations in which interpersonal communication occurs.  It is relevant for romantic as well as platonic or same-gender relationships.  The model also helps couples understand why there are discrepancies in what each partner is wanting from the relationship.  When a person wants to move up a stage in his or her relationship, it probably means that he or she wants to increase positive feelings derived from being with the other person.  When one partner wants to move down a stage, it usually means he or she wants to decrease certain negative feelings that come from being involved with the other. 

Example:

The following is a tangible example of the model of relationship development
 created by Knapp.
______________________________________________________________________________
   Process                       Stage                                              Representative Dialogue
                                                                                                                                                                         Coming                   Initiating                                   "Hi, how ya doin'?"
Together                                                                   "Fine, you?" 

Relevant Research:

     Knapp, M.L., Miller, G.R. (1994). Handbook of Interpersonal Communication.

     Knapp, M.L., Hall, J.A. (1997). Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction. 

     Furman, W., Brown, B.B., Feiring, C. (1999). The Development of Romantic Relationships in Adolescence.

Location in Eight (8) Primary Communication Theory Textbooks:

     Anderson, R., & Ross, V. (1998). Questions of communication: A practical introduction to theory (2nd ed.). New York: St. Martin's Press.  N/A

     Cragan, J. F., & Shields, D.C. (1998). Understanding communication theory: The communicative forces for human action. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon. N/A

     Griffin, E. (2000). A first look at communication theory (4th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. N/A

     Griffin, E. (1997). A first look at communication theory (3rd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. N/A

      Infante, D. A., Rancer, A. S., & Womack, D. F. (1997). Building communication theory (3rd ed.). Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland Press. 267-275.

      Littlejohn, S. W. (1999). Theories of human communication (6th ed). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. N/A

      West, R., & Turner, L. H. (2000). Introducing communication theory: Analysis and application. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield. N/A

       Wood, J. T. (1997). Communication theories in action: An introduction. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. N/A