Interpersonal Communication and Trauma-Informed Practice

Comprehensive flashcards covering interpersonal communication principles, high vs. low context cultural models, perception checks, active listening skills, and trauma-informed practice.

What is the definition of interpersonal communication?

Interpersonal communication involves creating and interpreting meaning with others.

What are the Four Principles of Communication?

1. Learned (developed through families, cultures, communities, and experiences)
2. Continuous (always communicating, even unintentionally)
3. Unrepeatable (interactions cannot be recreated exactly due to changing people, emotions, and circumstances)
4. Irreversible (once communicated, a message cannot completely be taken back)

What four ongoing actions are recognized in the Transactional Model of communication?

Sending messages, receiving messages, interpreting meaning, and responding.

What five environmental and personal factors influence communication according to the lecture notes?

Context (where and when), Feedback (how others respond), Channels (how the message is communicated), Noise (anything interfering with communication), and Culture & Experience (how messages are interpreted).

What four human needs does communication help individuals meet?

1. Physical (expressing needs and supporting well-being)
2. Instrumental (getting things done, such as asking for help, information, or completing tasks)
3. Social (building and maintaining relationships and connections)
4. Identity (developing an understanding of who we are)

What three core elements are required for effective communication?

Awareness, practice, and reflection.

What is intersectionality as defined in the notes?

An analytical framework that shows how different social identities (race, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, and age) overlap and interact to shape unique lived experiences and power dynamics.

What are the three components of 'The Triad' regarding self-identity?

1. How you see yourself
2. How you value yourself
3. How you think others see you

What is the distinction between 'Self Concept' and 'Self Esteem'?

Self Concept is what we think we are, whereas Self Esteem is how we value it.

What does the concept of the 'Looking Glass Self' describe?

How our identity is shaped through interactions with others and society.

According to the Cultural Iceberg model, what is the difference between Surface Culture and Deep Culture?

Surface Culture includes language, explicit rules, traditions, and outward behaviour, while Deep Culture includes core concepts of time, community vs. individual, roles, and approaches to conflict.

How does communication style differ between Low Context and High Context communication?

Low Context communication is direct, explicit, literal, and focuses on 'say what you mean.' High Context communication is indirect, nuanced, implicit, and relies heavily on nonverbal cues and shared context.

Where is the focus on meaning placed in Low Context versus High Context communication?

In Low Context communication, the words themselves carry the entire meaning. In High Context communication, the surroundings—context, relationships, tone, and history—carry the meaning.

How are conflict and feedback approached in Low Context versus High Context communication?

In Low Context cultures, conflict is often separated from personal feelings and confrontation is viewed as direct problem solving. In High Context cultures, it is handled carefully to preserve harmony and face, using indirect phrasing to prevent public embarrassment.

What are the core values of Low Context cultures compared to High Context cultures?

Low Context core values include individualism, efficiency, clarity, and autonomy. High Context core values include collectivism, group harmony, relationships, and mutual interdependence.

What are common cultural examples of Low Context and High Context communication?

Low Context: Western and Northern European cultures (Canada, US, Germany, Switzerland). High Context: Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cultures (Japan, China, Mexico, Saudi Arabia).

What is the difference between an Observation and an Interpretation?

An observation is what you can actually see and hear, whereas an interpretation is the meaning you add to that observation.

What are the four sequential steps the brain uses as a 'meaning making machine'?

1. Select (what am I noticing)
2. Organize (what pattern or category does this fit)
3. Interpret (what does it mean)
4. Respond (what do I say or do)

What three steps and phrases are used to conduct a Perception Check?

1. Notice: 'I\'ve noticed that…'
2. Consider: 'I wonder if…'
3. Ask: 'Can you help me understand?'

What does objective documentation describe?

What happened, what was said, what could be observed, and when/where relevant, capturing facts rather than added interpretations.

What is the key difference between Hearing and Listening?

Hearing is merely receiving sound, whereas Listening involves paying attention, interpreting, and making meaning.

What four actions should be taken when practicing Active Listening?

1. Attend (be present and reduce distractions)
2. Paraphrase ('So what I\'m hearing is…')
3. Clarify ('When you say ___, what do you mean?')
4. Invite ('Tell me more about that')

When someone shares that they are overwhelmed, what is an example of an empathetic Listening Response versus a Fix/Advice Reflex?

Listening Response: 'That sounds like a lot,' 'What part has been hardest,' or 'Tell me more.' Fix / Advice Reflex: 'You need to,' 'Have you tried,' or 'Don\'t worry, it\'ll be fine.'

What is the primary goal of Trauma Informed Communication?

To create safety without needing to know someone's trauma.

What are the Six Principles of Trauma Informed Practice (TIP)?

1. Safety
2. Trust & Transparency
3. Peer Support
4. Collaboration
5. Voice, Choice & Empowerment
6. Cultural Considerations

Why is it important to focus on discussing behaviour rather than the person?

Behaviour is changeable, whereas personality traits and personal attributes are not changeable.

What five practices embody 'Compassion + Boundaries' in professional communication?

1. Acknowledge someone's feelings
2. Maintain professional boundaries
3. Explain limits clearly
4. Offer choices where possible
5. Avoid shame or judgement