Examining the Development of the Theory of Interpersonal Communication Motives

Rebecca Rubin, Elizabeth Perse, and Carole Barbato(1988) developed the theory of interpersonal communication motives in hopes of identifying the reasons why people choose to initiate conversations with others. The researchers designed their theory in correlation with several theoretical constructs, including the functional approach to interpersonal communication, the theory of interpersonal needs, and the media uses and gratifications theory. Also, the theory of interpersonal communication motives builds on the communication behaviors found in earlier studies.
The functional approaches to interpersonal communication emphasize the purposes served through communication. Dance and Larson (1976) found that communication connects individuals with their surroundings by helping them establish self-concepts (linking), allows individuals to shift from self-oriented to group-oriented tasks (mentation), and enables individuals to control their own or others' behavior (regulation). Another functional model illustrated relationship orientation according to four functions being served in relationships—emotional-expressive, confirmatory, change-influence, and instrumental (Bennis, Schein, Steele, & Berlew, 1968).
Additionally, researchers incorporated Schutz's (1966) Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation theory that identifies three fundamental needs satisfied by interpersonal communication. Inclusion is an individual's need to feel that he or she is part of a group. Control is the need to exude power over other people or to relinquish power to someone else. Affection is an individual's need to engage in a loving relationship with others.
Finally, they drew from the media uses and gratification theory. The primary focus of the uses and gratification research identifies the functions of media use—surveillance, correlation, entertainment, and socialization (Lasswell, 1948). Research then focused on motives for television viewing, and Rubin's (1981) research suggests... [continues]

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