Stand By Me Essay

In Rob Reiner’s 1986 film Stand By Me, the journey of four young boys seeking adventure and self-discovery serves as a rich canvas for examining various interpersonal communication concepts. Drawing on Adler and Procter’s Interplay: The Process of Interpersonal Communication (16th Edition), six key concepts from Chapters 1-11 can be analyzed in the context of the film: self-concept, perception, nonverbal communication, emotional intelligence, conflict management, and self-disclosure. Self-concept, as defined in the textbook, refers to the relatively stable set of perceptions individuals hold about themselves. In Stand By Me, Gordie Lachance, Chris Chambers, Teddy Duchamp, and Vern Tessio’s self-concepts significantly influence their behavior

Teddy’s aggressive tendencies often clash with Vern’s more passive nature. This is evident when Teddy mocks Vern’s fears, leading Vern to either withdraw or meekly defend himself rather than directly confronting Teddy. Self-disclosure, the process of revealing personal information to others, is a pivotal element in the boys’ evolving friendships. The textbook emphasizes that self-disclosure can enhance intimacy and trust in relationships. In Stand By Me, moments of self-disclosure among the boys deepen their bond. A poignant example is when Chris reveals his fear of being labeled a thief forever, despite his good intentions. Chris’ revelation about stealing the milk money and the subsequent guilt he feels is a moment of profound self-disclosure. This moment of vulnerability allows Gordie to offer reassurance and support, strengthening their friendship. Similarly, Gordie’s confessions about his family troubles and feelings of inadequacy draw the two closer. Self-disclosure between Teddy and Vern is less frequent but still significant, nonetheless. When Vern shares his fear of finding Ray Brower’s dead body, it opens a rare window into his deeper