Creating and applying relational maintenance in various relational contexts

Abstract

Relational maintenance is a universal aspect of human relationships. As such, our family and interpersonal communication texts often include relational maintenance as a key point of discussion. Communication scholars also continue to demonstrate how understanding and incorporating positive relational maintenance behaviors is beneficial to our relationships. Given the importance of relational maintenance in family and interpersonal courses and relationships, I developed this activity for instructors to engage their students effectively in not only understanding concepts related to relational maintenance, but also analyzing and applying relational maintenance strategies in their day-to-day lives. Courses Family communication, interpersonal communication. Objectives This activity will enable students to (1) identify relational maintenance strategies as communicative behaviors in family and interpersonal relationships, (2) apply relational maintenance strategies in personal experiences, and (3) illustrate personal experiences as exemplars of relational maintenance strategies in family and interpersonal relationships.