This assignment is designed to deepen your understanding of interpersonal communication theories and concepts as applied to a personal relationship. You will analyze the communication dynamics within ONE significant relationship in your life—this can be with a family member, friend, or significant other – and write a 5-6 page (typed 12 point-font, double spaced, numbered, with title and cover page) reflection paper on that relationship. The goal is to reflect on the communication patterns, identify areas for improvement, and develop a strategy to enhance your communication and relationship. This is a formal paper and should be written/communicated in a professional, concise, and organized manner. The paper should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. Please proofread your paper for grammar, spelling, punctuation, organization, etc.
Assignment Directions
The following should be included in your paper:
Introduction (1 page):
Select a Relationship: Identify a significant personal relationship for analysis. This could be with a friend, family member, colleague, or romantic partner.
State the Significance: Explain why you have chosen this particular relationship and what makes it significant for this analysis.
Outline Your Objectives: Briefly describe what you aim to uncover or understand about the communication dynamics within this relationship.
Body (3-4 pages):
Communication Concepts Analysis:
Theoretical Application: Select and define at least three communication concepts from the textbook “Interpersonal Communication: A Mindful Approach to Relationships.” Explain these concepts in your own words before applying them to your relationship. Concepts may include but are not limited to communication models, listening skills, verbal and nonverbal communication, perception, self-concept, self-disclosure, emotional intelligence, relationship theories, and conflict management.
Personal Examples: Provide specific instances from your relationship that illustrate each communication concept. Describe the situations in detail and analyze the interactions based on the theories and ideas presented in the textbook.
Cultural and Personal Identity Considerations:Reflect on how these communication practices are influenced by broader cultural, social, and personal identity factors, such as ethnicity, gender, or cultural background.
Conflict Management Analysis:
Conflict Identification: Discuss a particular conflict that occurred within the relationship, providing context and details about the situation.
Strategy Evaluation: Assess the strategies that were used to manage the conflict. Were they effective? Why or why not? Reference specific theories or models from the course that relate to conflict management.
Improvement Strategy (1-2 pages):
Areas for Improvement: After analyzing the communication in your relationship, identify specific areas where communication could be improved.
Action Plan: Develop a comprehensive strategy for enhancing communication within the relationship. This should include actionable and realistic steps that could be implemented to address the areas of improvement identified. Consider how ethical communication principles can guide this improvement process.
Conclusion (1 page):
Summary of Insights: Summarize the main insights you have gained from analyzing your relationship with the communication concepts.
Reflect on the Process: Discuss how this assignment has impacted your understanding of interpersonal communication and its role in developing and maintaining healthy relationships.
Future Applications: Consider how you can apply what you have learned in this course to other relationships and communication contexts.
Reference Page
References to the textbook and other scholarly sources should conform to MLA or APA format.
MLA Format:
Wrench, Jason, Narissra Punyanunt-Carter, and Katherine Thweatt. Interpersonal Communication: A Mindful Approach to Relationships. 1st ed., Open Textbook Library, 2016. https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/906Links to an external site.. writing about my boyfriend cameron and i relationship
