Product Description Interpersonal Communication offers a blend of theory and skills that the reader can use to become “other-oriented”–mindfully considerate of the thoughts, needs, and values of others. Fueled by the authors' conviction that “skills inform principles; principles inform skills,” Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others maintains a careful balance between theoretical and skills-oriented material. This book integrates a key emphasis on diversity with examples drawn from a variety of age and ethnic groups and special boxes that focus on gender and diversity issues. A chapter on intercultural communication supplements this integral material by relating it to the “other-oriented” approach. From the Back Cover Interpersonal Communication offers a blend of theory and skills that students can use to become “other-oriented”— mindfully considerate of the thoughts, needs, and values of others. Fueled by the authors' conviction that “skills inform principles; principles inform skills,” Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others maintains a careful balance between theoretical and skills-oriented material. This book integrates a key emphasis on diversity with examples drawn from a variety of age and ethnic groups and special boxes that focus on gender and diversity issues. A chapter on intercultural communication supplements this integral material by relating it to the “other-oriented” approach. FeaturesA skills/principles blend helps students to become competent and knowledgeable communicators and to make informed choices about their communication with others.Strong coverage of diversity and sensitivity to others is featured in “Understanding Diversity” boxes, a chapter on diversity (Ch. 4), and discussions of diverse issues integrated throughout the text. An emphasis on relationships links communication skills with principles that explain and predict how relationships begin, develop, and sometimes decline. New To This EditionA new boxed feature, “Interpersonal Communication and Emotion: Connecting Heart-to-Heart”, emphasizes research conclusions and communication skills related to emotion and interpersonal communication. Chapter 4 begins with a significantly expanded discussion of the multifaceted nature of human diversity by including new information about race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, age and social class. From expanded sections in Chapters 1 and 12 to the addition of new research and applications throughout the book, there is addedemphasis on the role technology plays in the development and maintenance of interpersonal relationships. New research conclusions are included that relate to such “dark side” interpersonal issues as jealousy, obsessive relational intrusion, relational violence, and stalking.