Introduction: Meta-Theory and Theory in Interpersonal Communication Research

Our continuing goal for the third edition of Engaging Theories in Interpersonal Communication is to create a current and broadly focused theoretical resource for those using the book. The work is geared toward students, scholars and persons seeking to better understand their own relationships. For students and scholars alike, this chapter introduces this collection of theories to be a toolbox to help approach and understand interpersonal communication research and lived experience from a variety of perspectives. In this chapter, we discuss the roots of interpersonal communication, conceptualizing interpersonal communication, interpersonal communication theory and meta-theory, the results of our study of interpersonal communication research, 2013-2019, and implications for interpersonal communication researchers. We end with a brief overview the four main sections in the volume as we organize and present 30 theory chapters.