Interpersonal communication theories are interesting and compelling to read. They are astonishingly relatable to one’s everyday life. As one reads an interpersonal communication theory, he or she may find himself or herself thinking of instances in daily life and relationships that directly correspond with the theory. I found the theories to be eerily similar to how many people behave, communicate, and think with regards to interacting with one another. Interpersonal communication theories describe the communication between two or more individuals through verbal, non verbal, and written communication. I believe the theories are some of the easiest to comprehend perhaps due to the direct correlation with people’s lives. Through my own research and those of others, I have found Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Uncertainty Reduction Theory, and Social Penetration Theory to be most pertinent to my life. I will begin by describing the basics of each theory and then explain how they have played such a significant role. I will start by briefly describing Cognitive Dissonance Theory. Leon Festinger, a former Stanford University psychologist, developed Cognitive Dissonance Theory. Cognitive dissonance is a psychological discomfort or distressing mental state resulting from an inconsistency in an individual’s actions and beliefs. “A person may know that smoking is bad for him and yet continue to smoke; many persons commit crimes even though they know the high probability of being caught and the punishment that awaits them” (Festinger 2). As people, we want to avoid dissonance in order to remain consistent. Momentary dissonance can occur with a new event, but dissonance indubitably exists in daily life (Festinger 5). Cognitive dis... ... middle of paper ... ...l of the interpersonal theories I have researched or read about are important in life. However, I believe Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Uncertainty Reduction Theory, and Social Penetration Theory have played large roles in my life thus far. It is only a matter of viewing one’s life through a looking-glass in order to see how interpersonal communication theories are incredibly valuable. Works Cited Altman, Irwin, and Dalmas Taylor. Social Penetration: The Development of Interpersonal Relationships. New York: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1973. 27. Print. Berger, Charles, and James Bradac. Language and Social Knowledge: Uncertainty in Interpersonal Relations. The Social Psychology of Language 2. London: Edward Arnold Ltd., 1982. 6-23. Print. Festinger, Leon. Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. Stanford, CA: Stannford University Press, 1957. 2-31. Print.
There are several theories based on interpersonal communication that can be seen in various forms of entertainment, as well as real life experiences. You can see the social penetration theory in the bond that Maleficent and Aurora formed through the time they spent together. The communication privacy management theory can be shown in The Walking Dead as the main character asks newcomers three questions in order to determine who he can trust, and who he can’t trust. Glamour Magazine’s article about abusive relationships shows The Fundamental Interpersonal Relations Orientation theory as it describes the reasons why the women left their toxic relationships. And finally, my personal experience with an old friend can represent the cost benefit/social exchange theory by the way our relationship costed me more than it benefited me. Communication theories are distinct in our every day lives, you just have to find
American social psychologist and original developer of the theory of Cognitive Dissonance Leon Festinger breaks down his theory into two main parts. First, the presence of dissonance, inconsistency or unpleasantness, will psychologically motivate a person to achieve consonance, consistency or pleasantness (Festinger 3). Psychologist Elliot Aronson, key researcher in the 20th century of this theory, expands on the definition of dissonance to be more straightforward. Dissonance occurs when a person holds two ideas, beliefs, or opinions at the same time that are contradictory with one and other. Part two of the theory states that a person will attempt to avoid situations or knowledge that would possibly or pro...
Cognitive dissonance theory is the theory that we act to reduce the discomfort we feel when two of our thoughts are inconsistent. There are three methods that dissonance can be condensed. Individuals can modify one or more of the beliefs, attitude, behaviors, and more, this way the connection between the two elements are in agreement with one another. Another method is to gather new information that will compensate the dissonant beliefs. The third method is to decrease the importance of the beliefs, attitudes, behavior, and etc. Dissonance theory does not say that these methods will work; only people in the state of cognitive dissonance will use these methods to condense the degree of their dissonance. Cognitive dissonance theory
lected Theory: Cognitive Dissonance is an objective communication theory created by Leon Festinger, a Stanford University social psychologist. Cognitive Dissonance is a conflicting mental state caused by discrepancy between two beliefs held by an individual. The more important the belief the stronger the dissonance. The strain caused by dissonance leads us to change our behavior or belief. Festinger says there are three different ways to reduce or avoid dissonance: selective exposure, postdecision dissonance, and minimal justification. Also, Festinger describes three different reasons for why one reduces dissonance. These reasons are self- consistency, personal responsibility for bad outcomes, and self- affirmation to dissipate dissonance.
Beebe, Steven A., Susan J. Beebe, and Mark V. Redmond. "Verbal Messages." Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others. Boston: Allyn and Bacon/Pearson, 2009. Print.
Throughout the semester, we have studied numerous communication theories. Their purpose is to help understand exactly what happens when we interact with others. We might not necessarily agree with all of the theories, but the idea is to develop tools to evaluate situations we may encounter. Often, when the theories are explained in the readings or lecture, it is beneficial to apply the concepts to a "real life" situation. Using this approach, I will use a situation that many of us have faced, or will face, and analyze it according to a particular communication theory.
Griffin, E., Ledbetter, A., & Sparks, G. (2015). A first look at communication theory. New York:
Communication involves the exchange of messages and is a process which all individuals participate in. Whether it is through spoken word, written word, non-verbal means or even silence, messages are constantly being exchanged between individuals or groups of people (Bach & Grant 2009). All behaviour has a message and communication is a process which individuals cannot avoid being involved with (Ellis et al 1995).
...e. This theory went a lot deeper than I thought it would, I was genuinely surprised. Most of the interpersonal communication theories that are taught arguably are common sense theories. Yet, when you consider when these theories were constructed and the certain events that took place inspiring the ideas in the first place…it’s actually quite remarkable. Elizabeth Noelle-Neumann had a fundamental idea inspired by researchers before her time, an idea that explains why all humans think a certain way or don’t think a certain way. Quite remarkable.
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2010). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Communication is defined as a process of sending and receiving messages with attached meaning; it is key to a successful personal and professional life. (Schermerhorn, 2012). With communication it is important to realize that it is both
I chose the topic of self-concept through interpersonal communication because I had an interest in it. This interest is because I didn’t understand that one’s self-concept affected the way one is perceived by others. I learned self-concept through class discussions, but I wanted a better understanding of how communication affects one’s self-concept and how it affects one’s perception
In interpersonal communication there are many theories that are similar yet different in many ways. The theories can be combined to describe people and how those people interact and communicate with each other. Many of these theories help explain how people in society form impressions of others, how they maintain these impressions, why people interact with certain people in society, and how people will use these impressions that they have formed later on in life. These theories also help people to better understand themselves, to better understand interpersonal communication, and to better understand people in general. There are two theories in interpersonal communication that, despite their differences, can go hand in hand. The first is interaction adaptation theory and the second is emotional contagion theory. These two theories’ similarities and differences and their relevance to my everyday life will be discussed in this paper. These two theories are very important in understanding how people interact with others and why people do the things they do sometimes.
In this paper I will analyze my own behavior, behaviors of others, and interactions I have noticed pertaining to social penetration theory. Social penetration theory provided me with insight on my daily communication practices. It brings light to the reasons as to why we feel comfortable, and uncomfortable in our ongoing experiences.
Several definitions of interpersonal communication exist however I believe that it is best defined as “A selective, systemic, unique, ongoing process of interaction between individuals who effect and build personal knowledge of each other and create shared meaning.” (Wood, 2002). I chose this definition because it included terms that are not included in other definitions. The inclusion of the word selective is important because it addresses the conscious effort that both people must make in order to achieve an interpersonal relationship. The definition also includes the word between which eludes to the fact that an interpersonal relationship belongs to both people involved. The last part of the definition that appeals to me is when it uses the words “effects” and “builds” I though that was important because it shows how an interpersonal relationship changes with ev...