Chapter 6: intrapersonal communication:
definition:
cognitive processes within individuals shaping understanding of reality.
crucial role:
framework for conceptualisation and internal navigation of communication
complexities.
importance:
1. underpins communication models.
2. facilitates encoding and decoding of messages.
3. fosters self-reflection and growth.
4. essential for emotional management.
5. the source of creativity and ideas.
what is a name?
significance:
- names hold cultural and familial significance.
- reflect significant events of parents.
identity:
- names intrinsic to one’s identity.
- symbolically represent the self in social interactions.
depersonalization:
- occurs when individuals are identified solely by numbers.
- strips away uniqueness and humanity.
the self and identity:
definition:
- self-reflective, capable of categorising in relation to social categories.
- identity: dynamic process evolving throughout life, influenced by early
human interactions.
components:
- identity is a state of consciousness that recognises personal
characteristics and social group memberships.
- positive social identity shaped by interactions from infancy.
1
, - perceived as social roles learned through appropriate responses to
stereotypes of behaviour.
intrapersonal thinking:
- evolves from internalised linguistic interactions shaped by social
experiences.
dimensions of the self:
- physical, emotional, intellectual, and moral.
- holistic and dynamic, evolving over time.
personal identity:
formation:
- intertwined with social categorization from early development.
theories:
- social identity theory: perception within groups.
- identity theory: fulfilment of roles and interactions with roles.
context:
- crucial in shaping identities in school or work etc.
- defines specific identities such as teacher or manager.
vocational identity:
- integral to psychological well-being and career stability.
technology impact:
- introduces the digital divide, influencing and learning environments.
Group influence:
- genetic and environmental factors shape a sense of belonging and
uniqueness.
Family dynamics:
- impact attitudes towards race, gender, and identity development.
- Open-minded environment that promotes diverse perspectives and anti-
racist worldviews.
Self-concept:
2
,Definition:
- Mental image encompasses appearance, abilities, attitudes, and beliefs.
- Everything that people think and feel about themselves.
Influence on behaviour:
- Shapes interactions with others.
Importance:
- Positive self-concept correlates with self-worth and accomplishment.
- Facilitates success and positive relationships.
- Negative self-perception can lead to self-defeating behaviours and
strained relationships.
Development:
- Linked to interpersonal interactions.
- Positive messages reinforce self-esteem and negative ones undermine it.
- Constant exposure to positive or negative relational messages impacts
self-control.
- As we communicate with others, we internalize their views about us.
Theories of self-concept:
Looking glass theory:
- The development of self-concept based on the feedback you receive from
people around you.
- Derived from interpersonal interactions and societal influences.
Social comparison theory:
- We use a measuring stick to assess ourselves.
- Individuals gauge self-concept by comparing themselves to others.
- Peers are benchmarks for talents, abilities, and qualities (am I as
pretty/smart as…)
Comparison process:
- Evaluate similarities and differences.
- Influences feelings of superiority and inferiority.
Dynamic nature:
- Evolves with age and social contexts.
- Subjective interpretations and potential inaccuracies.
3
, Self-fulfilling prophecies:
- Expectations influence behaviour and outcomes.
- Positive expectations lead to success, negative expectations result in self-
defeating behaviours.
Characteristics of communicators with positive & negative self-
esteem:
Positive self-esteem:
- Favourable perceptions of others.
- Expect acceptance and evaluate performance.
- Perform well under scrutiny, unafraid of others’ reactions.
- Thrive when challenged to meet high standards.
- Comfortable around individuals perceived as superior.
- Effectively defend against negative comments.
Negative self-esteem:
- Disapprove of others, expect rejection.
- Evaluate own performance harshly.
- Struggle under observation, sensitive to negative reactions.
- Excel in low-expectations environments with minimal criticism.
- Feel threatened by those perceived as superior.
- Find it challenging to defend against negative comments, easily influenced
by other opinions.
Improving the self-concept:
1. Gradual process requiring self-discipline and goal setting.
2. Identify areas for improvement.
3. Seek support from someone close for encouragement.
4. Increase self-awareness of communication behaviours.
5. Monitor and adjust responses to feedback.
6. Accurately perceive communication contexts for effective self-awareness.
Self-concept and intrapersonal communication:
1. Decoding: messages/information are taken into the brain and made sense
of.
4
definition:
cognitive processes within individuals shaping understanding of reality.
crucial role:
framework for conceptualisation and internal navigation of communication
complexities.
importance:
1. underpins communication models.
2. facilitates encoding and decoding of messages.
3. fosters self-reflection and growth.
4. essential for emotional management.
5. the source of creativity and ideas.
what is a name?
significance:
- names hold cultural and familial significance.
- reflect significant events of parents.
identity:
- names intrinsic to one’s identity.
- symbolically represent the self in social interactions.
depersonalization:
- occurs when individuals are identified solely by numbers.
- strips away uniqueness and humanity.
the self and identity:
definition:
- self-reflective, capable of categorising in relation to social categories.
- identity: dynamic process evolving throughout life, influenced by early
human interactions.
components:
- identity is a state of consciousness that recognises personal
characteristics and social group memberships.
- positive social identity shaped by interactions from infancy.
1
, - perceived as social roles learned through appropriate responses to
stereotypes of behaviour.
intrapersonal thinking:
- evolves from internalised linguistic interactions shaped by social
experiences.
dimensions of the self:
- physical, emotional, intellectual, and moral.
- holistic and dynamic, evolving over time.
personal identity:
formation:
- intertwined with social categorization from early development.
theories:
- social identity theory: perception within groups.
- identity theory: fulfilment of roles and interactions with roles.
context:
- crucial in shaping identities in school or work etc.
- defines specific identities such as teacher or manager.
vocational identity:
- integral to psychological well-being and career stability.
technology impact:
- introduces the digital divide, influencing and learning environments.
Group influence:
- genetic and environmental factors shape a sense of belonging and
uniqueness.
Family dynamics:
- impact attitudes towards race, gender, and identity development.
- Open-minded environment that promotes diverse perspectives and anti-
racist worldviews.
Self-concept:
2
,Definition:
- Mental image encompasses appearance, abilities, attitudes, and beliefs.
- Everything that people think and feel about themselves.
Influence on behaviour:
- Shapes interactions with others.
Importance:
- Positive self-concept correlates with self-worth and accomplishment.
- Facilitates success and positive relationships.
- Negative self-perception can lead to self-defeating behaviours and
strained relationships.
Development:
- Linked to interpersonal interactions.
- Positive messages reinforce self-esteem and negative ones undermine it.
- Constant exposure to positive or negative relational messages impacts
self-control.
- As we communicate with others, we internalize their views about us.
Theories of self-concept:
Looking glass theory:
- The development of self-concept based on the feedback you receive from
people around you.
- Derived from interpersonal interactions and societal influences.
Social comparison theory:
- We use a measuring stick to assess ourselves.
- Individuals gauge self-concept by comparing themselves to others.
- Peers are benchmarks for talents, abilities, and qualities (am I as
pretty/smart as…)
Comparison process:
- Evaluate similarities and differences.
- Influences feelings of superiority and inferiority.
Dynamic nature:
- Evolves with age and social contexts.
- Subjective interpretations and potential inaccuracies.
3
, Self-fulfilling prophecies:
- Expectations influence behaviour and outcomes.
- Positive expectations lead to success, negative expectations result in self-
defeating behaviours.
Characteristics of communicators with positive & negative self-
esteem:
Positive self-esteem:
- Favourable perceptions of others.
- Expect acceptance and evaluate performance.
- Perform well under scrutiny, unafraid of others’ reactions.
- Thrive when challenged to meet high standards.
- Comfortable around individuals perceived as superior.
- Effectively defend against negative comments.
Negative self-esteem:
- Disapprove of others, expect rejection.
- Evaluate own performance harshly.
- Struggle under observation, sensitive to negative reactions.
- Excel in low-expectations environments with minimal criticism.
- Feel threatened by those perceived as superior.
- Find it challenging to defend against negative comments, easily influenced
by other opinions.
Improving the self-concept:
1. Gradual process requiring self-discipline and goal setting.
2. Identify areas for improvement.
3. Seek support from someone close for encouragement.
4. Increase self-awareness of communication behaviours.
5. Monitor and adjust responses to feedback.
6. Accurately perceive communication contexts for effective self-awareness.
Self-concept and intrapersonal communication:
1. Decoding: messages/information are taken into the brain and made sense
of.
4
