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This study examines friendships that have ended. Five recalled trajectories for dissolved friendships were found. Certain turning points were generally associated with increases in friendship closeness, while others were associated with decreases in closeness. In addition, gender differences were found for several of the turning points reported. Implications are discussed for interpersonal communication research based on a traditional linear conceptualization of relational development and deterioration.
KEY CONCEPTS relationship dissolution, friendships, turning points
The conceptualization of relationship development and deterioration has heavily influenced interpersonal communication research. A traditional view perceives relationships as developing linearly to a very intimate level. Either relationships are maintained satisfactorily in this state, or they begin to become less intimate, ultimately ending (e.g., Altman & Taylor, 1973; Knapp, 1984). Therefore, much research in interpersonal communication has focused on strategies used to develop a relationship to intimacy (e.g., Bell & Daly, 1984), maintain a relationship at deep levels of intimacy (e.g., Canary & Stafford, 1992), or terminate a relationship (e.g., Baxter, 1984). Although studies that focus on relationship stages assume linear development, dialectics theory conceptualizes development as nonlinear or cyclical (Baxter & Montgomery, 1996). In addition, many of the models of relationship development and deterioration have been based on one type of interpersonal relationship, the heterosexual romantic relationship. This study utilizes turning point analysis to examine the recalled relational trajectories of friendships that have terminated. Whether these recalled relational trajectories match the traditional linear model of relationship development and subsequent deterioration is explored. In addition, implications of the findings for current interpersonal communication research are discussed.
MODELS OF RELATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND DETERIORATION
Previous research on relational development and deterioration has exhibited a linear bias and a bias toward romantic relationships. Theories such as social penetration theory and Knapp's (1984) model of relational development conceptualize development as a series of stages of deepening intimacy through which a dyad progresses in an orderly manner. Social penetration theory (Altman & Taylor, 1973) posits that as a relationship continues, it becomes more intimate as individuals self-disclose about more topics (breadth) of a more personal nature (depth). The breakdown of a relationship is perceived as a smooth reversal of the process of relational development. For example, in social penetration theory, over time people decrease the depth and...