Interpersonal Communication

Running head: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 1

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INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 2

Interpersonal Communication

Introduction

Interpersonal communication encompasses all forms of communication namely, non-

verbal, oral and written communication. The term is applied to two or more people

communicating on a personal level and a face-to-face basis. Interpersonal communication occurs

every day in an almost seamless manner that it usually goes unnoticed most of the time.

Examples of interpersonal communication include meetings, communication between spouses,

friends, relative, and colleagues. The paper discusses the fundamental theories of the Hierarchal

or functional approach to the Comforting theory using the 2001 research by Roloff and

Anastsiou. A 2005 anthology by Offill and Schappell provides examples to show the different

stages of growth and decline of relationships in the process of interpersonal communication. The

study finally examines findings of mediated relationships.

Interpersonal Communication Definition

Interpersonal communication is a process that allows people to exchange feelings,

meaning and information using verbal and nonverbal cues of communication. It is is not only

about the information shared but also about, the manner in which the information is shared

(Chenowith, 2005). Some of the elements that contribute to interpersonal communication process

include the body language, gestures, facial expressions, and the tone of the voice, the volume,

and the pitch of the sound. When two or more people stand in one, place and are aware of what is

going on between them, then that is a sign of communication no matter how subtle it may seem

(Jenny Offill & Schappell, 2005). An observer may use cues of dress code, facial expression, and

posture to understand a situation that lacks speech.

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Communication can broadly be defined as the steps taken in conveying messages

between individuals or groups of people. The process of communication takes place between a

wave of a limitless combination of cultures and traditions, settings and individuals. The sender’s

intention in sending the message is rooted in the cultural context within which the message is

formed (Offill & Schapell, 2005). Such factors influence the receiver's interpretation of the

message as the setting in which the communication occurs. Interpersonal interaction occurs in a

smaller circle compared to societal acquaintances or community associations. Interpersonal

communications are spontaneous and informed (Penticuff & Arheart, 2005). It takes place

between people who have an intimate relationship, trust, and companionship. Such relationships

can be found among members of the same family, lovers, and friends.

Functional Approach to Comforting Theory

Attempts to understand the phenomenon of interpersonal communication has led to the

amassing of significant volumes of literature by various scholars seeking to help in the

understanding of the process. Roloff & Anastasiou (2001) distinguish the three main

perspectives that many scholars use to define interpersonal communication. Within every aspect,

there is a highlight to the origins, the assumptions made on the definitions, the critiques and the

theories that guide the understanding of the phenomenon (Roloff & Anastasiou, 2001). One of

the three major theories that have been taken from the psychological perspective is called the

Functional Approach to Comforting theory, discussed in this paper. Understanding the various

theories that govern communications is essential in understanding interpersonal communication.

According to Roloff & Anastasiou (2001), psychological perspective is a way in which

people seek to influence and manage their social surroundings in a bid to gain social, economic

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 4

or physical rewards in society. The more socially active individuals are, the more they are likely

to gain from the socio-economic sphere. The theory calls for the need to remain in control of the

social cycles and interpersonal interactions (Roloff & Anastasiou, 2001). The perspective

assumes that interpersonal aspect takes place when people use psychological information when

communicating with other people in the social cycle. The psychological information would be

regarded as intimate knowledge or personal disclosures among people that share interpersonal

relationships. Individuals try to make out the effect of their messages to their target audience to

help in attaining the intended goal of the message (Roloff & Anastasiou, 2001). Basing

communicative predications on psychological data means engagement in interpersonal

communication.

Functional Approach to comforting supports the Psychological perspective of

interpersonal communication. The theory is founded on the observation made by skilful

communicators. It notes that the ability to comfort and encourage other people or empathy is

beneficial in interpersonal forms of communication (Melnyk et al.,.2006). The theory asserts that

people who are involved in interpersonal communication take note of the individual needs of

individuals involved in a conversation. They have an innate ability to manage their messages to

address the concerns of other people. They reduce distress and provide support for other people.

These kinds of people are easy to talk to and are liked by many (Melnyk et al.,.2006). According

to Functional Approach, the messages that function to elaborate, acknowledge, contextualise,

and legitimize other people’s viewpoints are ordinarily sophisticated and are likely to reduce

distress compared to messages that are centered to a single individual.

Interpersonal Relationships Growth and Decline in Relation

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Many people in the world have formed interpersonal relationships and connections with

the people they love. Certain people captivate us and become friends and lovers in a way that no

one else can do (Penticuff & Arheart, 2005). It counts when people are born into families where

the relationships are considered interpersonal even when people do not actively choose them.

Mark Knapp contextualises the process of relationship growth and a decline in interpersonal

relationships. The model asserts that several stages take place within each relationship

(Trenholm & Vivian, 2008). The depth of each stage determines whether the relationship can be

identified as a business acquaintance, interpersonal or social relationship. Interpersonal

relationships are normally created through relationships that develop personal bonds and increase

the potential for longevity and relational endurance.

Mediated Relationships and Research

The paper culminates by discussing research in the area of mediated relationships.

Computer-aided communication has both positive and negative implications (Trenholm &

Vivian, 2008). Electronic communication with the help of computers, mobile phone and tablets

erase the need for the source and the receiver if the information to be close to each other.

Technology bases communication on common interests between the source and the recipient of

the message. Interpersonal relationships evolve from time to time. They are filled with

characteristics that the person may not show on a personal level or face-to-face communication.

Conclusion

Interpersonal communication is but a facet of human interaction and is one of the

essential forms of communication. Researchers have studied multiple phases of interpersonal

communication leading to volumes of literature about the subject. As illustrated in this paper

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many theories and perspectives control the study of interpersonal communication trying to

understand the process. This paper defines interpersonal communication and explores theories,

personal experiences, and principles that explain the aspect of interpersonal relationships.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 7

References

Chenowith, E. (2005). Heather. In J. Offill & E. Schappell, The friend who got away: The friend

who got away: New York: Doubleday.

Jenny Offill, & Schappell, E. (2005). The Friend Who Got Away: Twenty Women's True-life

Tales of Friendships that Blew Up, Burned Out, Or Faded Away. New York: Doubleday.

Melnyk, B. M., Feinstein, N. F., Alpert-Gillis, L., Fairbanks, E., & Crean, H. F. (2006).

Reducing Premature Infants’ Length of Stay and Improving. A Randomized, Controlled

Trial. Pediatrics, 118(1), 1414-1427.

Offill, J., & Schapell, E. (2005). The Friend who got away: Twenty women’s true-life tales of

friendships that blew up, burned out, or faded away. New York: Doubleday.

Penticuff, J. H., & Arheart, K. L. (2005). The effectiveness of an intervention to improve parent-

professional collaboration in neonatal intensive care. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal

Nursing, 19(1), 187-202.

Roloff, M. E., & Anastasiou, L. (2001). Interpersonal Communication Research Overview.

Communication Yearbook, 24(1), 51-71.

Trenholm, S., & Vivian, J. (2008). Intro to communication: Second custom edition for. Boston:

Pearson Custom Publishing.

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