The stages of 'development' of a relationship as given by Mark Knapp are
(A) Integrating

(B) Bonding

(C) Experimenting

(D) Initiating

(E) Intensifying
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

Mark Knapp's Relational Development Model outlines five stages in the growth of a relationship. The correct sequence of development is:
1. Initiating (D):
· The first stage, where individuals meet and form first impressions.
· It involves brief communication and assessing compatibility.
2. Experimenting (C):
· In this stage, people engage in small talk to learn about each other.
· They explore similarities and interests before deciding whether to continue the relationship.
3. Intensifying (E):
· At this stage, the relationship grows closer, and self-disclosure increases.
· People start using "we" language and expressing emotions openly.
4. Integrating (A):
· Partners merge their lives and start presenting themselves as a unit.
· Shared identities develop, and they may adopt common interests, routines, or commitments.
5. Bonding (B):
· The final stage, where the relationship is publicly formalized (e.g., engagement, marriage, or business partnerships).
· Symbolic gestures, such as legal commitments or rituals, reinforce the relationship.
Information Booster:
· Knapp also proposed stages of relationship deterioration, which include differentiating, circumscribing, stagnating, avoiding, and terminating.
· The model is widely used in interpersonal communication and relationship psychology.