Communication apprehension

communication apprehension

fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication encounters

albert bandura’s social learning theory (observational learning theory)

explains how people learn to become apprehensive by observing how others respond negatively to communication situations. They then model their own behavior on that which they have seen exhibited.

reinforcement thoery

suggests that individuals engage in a number of different behaviors and engage more frequently in those behaviors which result in some reward (or reinforcement.)  Those behaviors which are not rewarded, or may be punished in some way, are eliminated and replaced with some other behaviors.  If a person has suffered some penalty for communication behavior, they may seek to avoid communication in the                             future, or be so apprehensive that their ability to communicate effectively is severely hampered.

 

inconsistent responses

may lead to a feeling of anomie, which can be defined as “a feeling of anxiety or stress which stems from confusion about the social expectations of others.”  Such inconsistency may characterize no-win situations, resulting in learned helplessness.

systematic desensitization

1.         Learn to relax—how to consciously tighten and relax one’s muscles and control one’s breathing.

2.        A low-level of the anxiety-producing situation is introduced, and the individual learns to consciously relax in that situation.

3.         Increasingly more intense variations of the anxiety-producing situation are presented, and the individual gradually learns to deal with each in turn.

cognitive restructuring

1.         The individual must accept that their apprehension is learned and it  can be un-learned.

2.         Negative self-statements must be identified.  These include statements people make to themselves about how they don’t like or  can’t do certain communication situations.

 3.         Those negative self-statements must be analyzed for errors of logic.

 4.         Coping statements are crafted to replace the negative self-statements.  These are statements people make to themselves reaffirming their capability to succeed and thrive in the communication environment.

skills training

meant to address a communication skill deficit which may be producing the apprehension.  Instruction, practice, and performance are intended to supply the knowledge and skill set which may be lacking.