PEPLAU IN CYBERSPACE: AN ANALYSIS OF PEPLAU'S INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS THEORY AND COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION

Abstract

This paper explores the applicability of Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory to the context of computer-mediated communication. Although Peplau never intended her theory be applied to this mode of communication, research from the fields of communication and social psychology suggest that such application may be possible. After Peplau's theory is briefly summarized, research and theory dealing with computer-mediated communication are explored, and questions for future research endeavors are offered.