Schutz’s Theory

In today's paper, I will be analysis personal relationship using Schutz's theory of interpersonal needs. According to Communication Making Connection by William J. Seiler and Melissa L. Beall, Schutz's theory implies that we have three needs: the need for affection, the need for inclusion, and the need for control.

According to Schutz's theory, the need for affection is the need to feel likeable or lovable. If various people like a specific person, that person has effectively fulfill this need and that need is referred as personal. Someone who is unable to fulfill this need is labeled either underpersonal or overpersonal. Personal individuals want to be liked, but they do not consider being liked by everyone essential for happiness. Underpersonal people avoid emotional commitments or involvement with others. Overpersonal individuals will often go to the extremes to ensure acceptance by others.

It is my belief that, I am a personal individual. I'm the type of person that feels like I'm capable of dealing with anyone that I come in contact with. Many people that I've encounter over the years like my football teammate feel that I'm cocky; nevertheless I tell them that I'm just confident. My ex-girlfriend, shontell, on the other hand is more an overpersonal type of individual.