Which type of nonverbal message deals with belonging, control, respect, or disapproval?

The correct choice is relational messages, as they encompass the dynamics of interpersonal interactions and how they affect relationships between individuals. Relational messages convey information about how people perceive each other in terms of their relationships, including feelings of belonging, levels of control, expressions of respect, and indications of disapproval.

These types of nonverbal cues can be observed in various forms, such as body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and proximity during communication. For example, leaning in closer might express interest and belonging, while crossing arms could suggest defensiveness or disapproval. Thus, relational messages are crucial in understanding the nuanced, often unspoken dynamics between individuals in any communicative context.

In contrast, contextual messages focus more on the external environment and circumstances surrounding a communication event, emotional messages center on expressing feelings and sentiments, and subtext messages pertain to the underlying meaning that is not explicitly stated in the verbal message. Each of these other types of messages plays a role in communication, but they do not specifically encapsulate the themes of belonging, control, respect, or disapproval as effectively as relational messages do.