Over 200 years ago Jane Austen an astute observer of the rituals of late-eighteenth-century
courtship wrote that a happy marriage was the result of chance. Modern relationship researchers
have revealed that scripts concerning pair bonding rituals are actually constituted in a manner
so as to leave little to chance when romantic attachments are formed intensify and sometimes
dissolve. In this introductory text the authors discuss the basis of relationship scripts
emotions imagery and physiology of relationships including romance friendship work
associates mentors and Facebook friends. They argue that people's expectations for relational
development influence their communication faith and commitment in relationships.
Misconstruing sexual or flirtatious intent for example is derived from having different
scripts about attraction. The book also discusses abusive relationships including
characteristics of abusers stalking and verbal and physical aggression. Designed for classes
in communication and relationships interpersonal communication intrapersonal communication
and communication and cognition as well as across disciplines in psychology sociology family
studies and social work this text provides a comprehensive overview of how scripts and
communication are used in relationships. Guidelines based on developing and improving verbal
and nonverbal communication competence are provided. A downloadable teacher's guide is
available on request.
