Knapp’s Differentiating Stage of Relationship Decay

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supporting information for the sub-topic] If both sides of the relationship react by avoiding the topics of controversy, then the relationships will enter into the circumscribing stage of relationship decay.

1. [Detail of the information] Information will become restricted and certain topics will be completely avoided, which will foster an underlying tension in the relationship

B. [Second supporting information for the sub-topic] However, parties to a relationship can stop the differentiating stage of the coming apart process by working together to overcome their differences.

1. [Detail of the information] Relationship partners need to discuss their differences honestly, candidly, and with an open mindset.

2. [Detail of the information] Offering empathy and engaging in perspective-checking may help each side to the relationship understand the other’s viewpoints, and therefore reduce or eliminate the controversial topic.

Conclusion:

The differentiating stage of Knapp’s relationship decay model will determine whether a relationship continues in a positive and healthy manner, or whether it descends further into the coming apart process. The defining characteristic of this stage is the differences that begin to surface and permeate each individual’s mindset in the relationship. Moreover, if both sides to the relationship sit-down and have a candid, honest, open, and often times unpleasant conversation, then the relationship will have a better chance of surviving this period of turbulence. However, the relationship can also easily descend into the further stages of the coming apart process if both partners avoid the topics of controversy or refuse to have a productive conversation about the divisions that are eroding the relationship. Conclusively, the differentiating stage is a crucial period for any relationship due to the fact that it will determine whether the relationship recovers and endures, or if it begins to dissolve apart.