Relational Development
"In the final stage, we may vow to remain friends for life and demonstrate commitment by always being present at important points in each other’s life."
Professor Mark L. Knapp of the University of Texas developed a model that helps organize and explain relational changes. The first 5 stages cover relational development: the process by which relationships grow.
Stage 1 Initiating: this is the short start of a relationship that involves first impressions, and attempts to find common ground. If it goes well we move to the next stage.
Stage 2 Experimenting: this occurs when the two people have clearly found out more about each other. In this stage, we share personal information on a safe level: what music, people, and food, we like and dislike.
Stage 3 intensifying: this involves active participation, mutual concern, and mindfulness that the relationship is developing since neither person has broken it off and we both are encouraging its development.
Stage 4 Integrating: this is when we start mirroring each other’s behavior in manner, dress, and language; we might merge social circles, designate common property, and share interests and values. In this stage, we learn a lot about each other and others see us as a pair.
Stage 5 Bonding: this is the final stage in relational development – where we, the people in the relationship, commit to each other. We may exchange personal items as a symbol of commitment; we may participate in a public display of affection that binds us (marriage), or we may vow to remain friends for life and demonstrate commitment by always being present at important points in each other’s life.
This is the first of a 3 part publication on “The Stages in Interpersonal Relationships: Relational Development, Relational Maintenance, and Relational Deterioration.”