ABSTRACT
This chapter reflects on the general contributions of the relational perspective to the study of interpersonal relations, and then considers more fully, directions that will continue to advance relational communication research. It provides a full reading of the theoretical and research contributions of the relational communication perspective to the study and understanding of interpersonal relationships. In view of the fact that in relational communication the control dimension has received the majority of attention, the investigation of the other dimensions is seen as an essential direction for the expansion of relational research. The relational approach has been found to be applicable across different types of relationships and settings; in its application it has reached across disciplinary lines, language, and cultural contexts. The chapter concludes traveled across a fairly broad space, from the beginning foundations of the relational approach to future directions for continuing to build on and expand the present research accomplishments.
