If Stacy and Marie get married, they are in the bonding stage of relational development.
False
True
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer: True
Explanation (300 words):
The statement “If Stacy and Marie get married, they are in the bonding stage of relational development” is True based on Knapp’s Model of Relational Development. This model outlines the stages that relationships typically go through, from initiation to termination. The bonding stage is the final phase of the “coming together” stages and represents a formal commitment between partners.
In the bonding stage, couples make their relationship known publicly and often through formal or legal means. This can include marriage, domestic partnerships, or other symbolic gestures that signify a lifelong commitment. The relationship is not only emotionally significant but also socially recognized. The couple solidifies their union, often involving legal documentation or ceremonies that mark their intent to remain together.
Marriage is a clear example of this bonding stage. It is a public declaration that Stacy and Marie are committed to each other and intend to share their lives together. This stage follows earlier phases such as initiating (meeting), experimenting (getting to know each other), intensifying (sharing deeper feelings), and integrating (becoming a couple in the eyes of others).
Bonding is crucial because it offers stability and a shared identity. It often leads to shared responsibilities, long-term planning, and mutual support. It can also deepen emotional intimacy and trust. However, reaching the bonding stage does not guarantee the relationship will never face challenges—it simply marks the highest point of formal commitment in the relational development process.
In summary, Stacy and Marie getting married means they are publicly and formally affirming their relationship, which is the defining characteristic of the bonding stage. Therefore, the statement is True according to relational development theory.