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Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Charles Berger

Chapter 10
Interpersonal Communication—Relationship Development

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Theory Overview

Abstracts appear in Appendix A of the 7th Edition

When people meet, their primary concern is to reduce uncertainty about each other and their relationship. As verbal output, nonverbal warmth, self-disclosure, similarity, and shared communication networks increase uncertainty decreases—and vice versa. Information seeking and reciprocity are positively correlated with uncertainty. (Socio-psychological tradition)

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