Knapp's Staircase Model of Relationship Development
This model was created in 1978. Mark Knapp created this stage model on the basic principles of the Social Penetration Theory just talked about on the previous tab.
Knapp took the basic ideas of breadth and depth and created stages in which relationships develop and advance.
The staircase model can be used for both relationship development and relationship termination, but for the propose of the website, we will just be looking at the 5 stages of development.
Stage 1- Initiating
This is the stage when you first meet someone. This is where you make your decision on whether or not you want initiate a conversation.
Stage 2-Experimenting
This stage of the model is when you are trying to find out the unknown. In this stage you are looking to find a common ground, a lot of questions will be ask. Small talk is the main part of this stage.
Stage 3-Intensifying
In this stage, the pair start to reach "close friends." The level of self-disclosure is pretty deep, and when talking the couples start to refer to each other as "we" instead of "you and I". Also there is more direct commitment saying "I really like you."
Stage 4- Integrating
This stage is the coupling stage. Each of them start using the same verbal and nonverbal cues that were created by them as a couple. When invited places you come as one package, and the social networks around you realize and understand that.
Stage 5-Bonding
This stage is all about going public. A ceremony is conducted to show the commitment to each other as one. You become married and communication is at its all time high, when sometimes communication doesn't have to occur because you already know what the other wants or is going to say. Families and friends are usually blended.
There are various assumptions that you will need to understand to be able to follow this stage model.
1) Movement through the stages is generally systematic and sequential
2) Movement may be forward or backward
3)Movement is always to a new place
4)Movement may be rapid or slow
5)Dialectical tensions serve as background to each stage
As a relationship is developing, if you are using the stage model approach, these are the stages the relationship would go through to develop into marriage.
Knapp took the basic ideas of breadth and depth and created stages in which relationships develop and advance.
The staircase model can be used for both relationship development and relationship termination, but for the propose of the website, we will just be looking at the 5 stages of development.
Stage 1- Initiating
This is the stage when you first meet someone. This is where you make your decision on whether or not you want initiate a conversation.
Stage 2-Experimenting
This stage of the model is when you are trying to find out the unknown. In this stage you are looking to find a common ground, a lot of questions will be ask. Small talk is the main part of this stage.
Stage 3-Intensifying
In this stage, the pair start to reach "close friends." The level of self-disclosure is pretty deep, and when talking the couples start to refer to each other as "we" instead of "you and I". Also there is more direct commitment saying "I really like you."
Stage 4- Integrating
This stage is the coupling stage. Each of them start using the same verbal and nonverbal cues that were created by them as a couple. When invited places you come as one package, and the social networks around you realize and understand that.
Stage 5-Bonding
This stage is all about going public. A ceremony is conducted to show the commitment to each other as one. You become married and communication is at its all time high, when sometimes communication doesn't have to occur because you already know what the other wants or is going to say. Families and friends are usually blended.
There are various assumptions that you will need to understand to be able to follow this stage model.
1) Movement through the stages is generally systematic and sequential
2) Movement may be forward or backward
3)Movement is always to a new place
4)Movement may be rapid or slow
5)Dialectical tensions serve as background to each stage
As a relationship is developing, if you are using the stage model approach, these are the stages the relationship would go through to develop into marriage.