ABSTRACT
This chapter explores interpersonal communication or the study of how individuals communicate with others. When people interact with another person their behaviors have an effect on their behaviors; the extent of which is explored in various interpersonal communication theories, such as those in this chapter. The issues and concepts outlined in this chapter demonstrate the nature of interpersonal communication, particularly in relationships. Interpersonal communication is the study of how at least two communicators intentionally influence one another's behaviors and actions through the communication process. This is just one of many definitions of interpersonal communication, as the researchers who study this field each approach it from a slightly different angle. Altman and Taylor developed social penetration theory to describe how communication develops from a more shallow level to more intimate levels as people become more acquainted. Altman and Taylor developed an onion metaphor to explain breadth and depth of communication during social penetration.
