The book organizes and synthesizes existing forgiveness research around a descriptive communication framework, demonstrating how existing psychological research can be enriched by through the application of communication theories, including dialectical and face-management perspectives. For example, exploring how forgiveness is a process of dyadic negotiation, not just an individual's decision.

Family Communication: Cohesion and Changeexamines how the communication processes within families affect and are affected by larger social systems. By viewing the family as a communication system with identifiable patterns, the authors encourage students to observe family interaction patterns analytically and relate communication theories to family interaction. Using a framework of family functions, first-person narratives, and current research, Family Communication: Cohesion and Change emphasizes the diversity of today's families in terms of structure, ethnic patterns, and developmental experiences.

In this enlightening and insightful monograph, John B. Hatch analyzes various public discourses that have attempted to address the racialized legacy of slavery, from West Africa to the United States, and in doing so, proposes a rhetorical theory of reconciliation. Recognizing the impact both of religious traditions and modern social values on the dialogue of reconciliation, Hatch examines these influences in tandem with contemporary critical race theory. Hatch explores the social-psychological and ethical challenges of racial reconciliation in light of work by Mark McPhail, Kenneth Burke, Paul Ricoeur, and others. He then develops his own framework for understanding reconciliation--both as the recovery of a coherent ethical grammar and as a process of rhetorical interaction and hermeneutic reorientation through apology, forgiveness, reparations, symbolic healing, and related genres of reparative action. What emerges from this work is a profound vision for the prospects of meaningful redress and reconciliation in American race relations.

Providing the most complete coverage of conflict available, this book represents a total approach to the study of conflict. Solid research and theory help readers better understand the nature of conflict, while practical material helps them make better communication choices. In addition to considering what people bring into a conflict in terms of their attitudes, beliefs, values, and personal characteristics, the book offers new ideas and attitudes to help readers approach conflict more effectively. The extensive use of suggestions, applications, narratives and case studies makes this volume an accessible and useful resource. The book deals with conflict from beginning to end -- from perception of the problem to agreement that it has been resolved or managed. It introduces the idea that conflict is inevitable, explores its consequences, then looks at conflict in the context of values, attitudes, and beliefs, followed by gender and culture. Next the book describes types of conflict; its phases and cycles; and conflict styles, strategies, and tactics, with special attention to collaboration as the preferred strategy. The last half of the book covers social psychological and communication perspectives, research on conflict and intimacy, choosing among the communication options available, effectively confronting others, cooperative negotiation in win-lose situations, the escalation of conflict into anger and stress, and impression management. The book ends with a discussion of conflict, forgiveness, and reconciliation. For anyone interested in understanding and dealing with conflict more effectively.

New from the author of the best-seller The Lost Art of Intercession. God is calling Christians today to take up the mantle of identificational intercession and repent for the sins of the present and past; for the sins of our fathers; for the sins of the nations. Will you heed the call? This book show you how!

Originally presented as the author's thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Edinburgh.