<p><em>"...the editors have accomplished their goal of raising the scholarly consciousness another notch about the less-studied, supposedly negative aspects of interpersonal communication. The individual chapters make interesting and informative reading and the collection as a whole is a useful addition to the interpersonal literature."</em><br />—Journal of Language and Social Psychology</p><p><em>"For the reader who is interested in learning more about the normalization of the less-than-fun side of communication, this volume presents a nice sampler on a variety of topics."</em><br />—Public Relations Review</p><p><em>"The chapters provide useful reviews of the issues, along with suggestions for new directions that will help guide future research. The book is a good addition to any relationship scholar's collection, especially for those scholars interested in the dark side of relationships. The book would be appropriate for graduate seminars in close relationships in a number of disciplines such as social psychology and communications."</em>—Karen Wilson, PsycCRITIQUES</p>
The Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication examines the multifunctional ways in which seemingly productive communication can be destructive—and vice versa—and explores the many ways in which dysfunctional interpersonal communication operates across a variety of personal relationship contexts.
Contents: Part I:Amusing & Bemusing.B.H. Spitzberg, W.R. Cupach, Disentangling the Dark Side of Interpersonal Communication. Part II: Schmoozing, Choosing, and Confusing.L. Knobloch, The Dark Side of Relational Uncertainty: Obstacle or Opportunity. T. Afifi, W. Afifi, J. Caughlin, The Dark Side (and Light Side) of Avoidance and Secrets. M. Whitty, Manipulation of Self in Cyberspace. Part III:Bruising.A.L. Vangelisti, Communicating Hurt. W.R. Cupach,“You’re Bugging Me!”: Complaints and Criticism From a Partner. R.M. Kowalski, Teasing and Bullying. Part IV:(Mis)Using, Accusing, and Excusing. M. Tafoya, B.H. Spitzberg, The Dark Side of Infidelity: Its Nature, Scope, and Communicative Functions. S. Metts, W.R. Cupach, Responses to Relational Transgressions: Hurt, Anger, and Sometimes Forgiveness. Part V:Abusing. S. Yoshimura, The Communication of Revenge: On the Viciousness, Virtues, and Vitality of Vengeful Behavior in Interpersonal Relationships. R. Dailey, C. Lee, B. Spitzberg, Communicative Aggression: Toward a More Interactional View of Psychological Abuse. W. Morgan, S.R. Wilson, Explaining Child Abuse as a Lack of Safe Ground. N. Eckstein, Adolescent-to-Parent Abuse: Exploring the Communicative Patterns Leading to Verbal, Physical, and Emotional Abuse.