Healthy Living 8: Interpersonal Communication and Healthy Relationships

Vocabulary and key concepts from the Healthy Living 8 Interpersonal Communication and Healthy Relationships unit, covering effective communication, conflict resolution, and refusal skills.

5 Key Parts of Effective Communication

Emotions are under control, words are thoughtfully chosen (avoid blame), speaker is assertive, listener is tuned in, and compassion and care are shown.

Nonverbal Communication

Ways to communicate without words, including body language, facial expressions, and spatial proximity.

Assertiveness

A communication style involving 'I feel… when…' statements, using 'and' instead of 'but,' and being firm and direct while standing tall and making eye contact.

Absolutes to Avoid

Generalizing terms like 'Always' and 'Never' that should be avoided during communication to prevent conflict.

Conflict Cycle

The sequential stages of a conflict: Calm → Agitation → Harmful Language/Actions → Escalation → Conflict Resolution → Recovery.

Resources (Source of Conflict)

A conflict source involving physical items or belongings, such as a sister taking clothes without asking.

Information (Source of Conflict)

A conflict source involving data or rumors, such as arguing over stories started by other people.

Emotional and Psychological (Source of Conflict)

A conflict source where internal feelings impact interactions, such as yelling at a parent because of a recent breakup.

Relationships and Roles (Source of Conflict)

A conflict source linked to social dynamics, like jealousy when a best friend excludes someone from an outing.

Values (Source of Conflict)

A conflict source based on beliefs or practices, such as making fun of another student for fasting.

Power and Structure (Source of Conflict)

A conflict source involving authority or lack of voice, such as a student feeling unheard when in trouble with a teacher.

Refusal Skills

Strategies to say no effectively, including suggesting an alternative, saying no repeatedly, changing the subject, and taking action (walking away).

Take Action (Refusal Skill)

A specific refusal strategy that involves physically walking away from the situation.

'I feel' Statement

A tool for assertive communication following the format: 'I feel [emotion] when…'

Assertive Refusal Body Language

Being firm and direct, standing up tall, and making eye contact while saying no.