Notes on Communication and Therapeutic Communication

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Define communication and therapeutic communication
  • Describe the process of communication
  • Differentiate between verbal & nonverbal communication
  • Describe the use of communication theory in nursing practice
  • Describe the nature and goals of therapeutic communication

COMMUNICATION

  • Definition: Derived from the Latin word "communis" meaning common.

    • A process of exchanging facts, ideas, opinions, which allows individuals to share meaning and understanding.
    • Essential for interpersonal interactions and sharing knowledge.

  • Definitions by Various Scholars:

    • Wilbur Schramm: Communication is sharing experiences based on commonality.
    • McQuail: Process that increases commonality.
    • Newman & Summer: Exchange of facts and ideas between individuals.
    • Katz & Khan: Exchange of information with meaning transmission.
    • John Dewey: Process of sharing experiences leading to common possession.
    • Edgar Dale: Sharing of ideas and feelings in a mutual atmosphere.
    • Aristotle: Communication as a means of persuasion to achieve desired effects.

EVOLUTION OF COMMUNICATION

  • Early methods: Drum beats, smoke signals, letters, word of mouth.
  • Advancements: Printing technology, newspapers, telegraph, telephone, radio, television, and the internet.

FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION

  1. General Functions:
    • Information dissemination
    • Instruction, persuasion, debates
    • Cultural promotion, integration, entertainment
    • Transmission of knowledge, social contact.
  2. Organizational Functions:
    • Informing and instructing
    • Motivating, leading, managing.

THE BASIC PROCESS OF COMMUNICATION

  • Steps:

    1. Sender: Initiates the message.
    2. Encoding: Transforming thoughts into communicable symbols.
    3. Message Transmission: Sending through selected channels.
    4. Decoding: Receiver interprets the message based on personal context.
    5. Feedback: Response that indicates the interpretation is understood.

  • Factors Influencing Communication:

    • Sender and receiver's experiences, culture, emotional state, and self-concept.
    • Successful communication requires mutual understanding.

VERBAL & NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

  • Verbal Communication: Use of spoken and written words.
  • Nonverbal Communication: Includes body language, eye contact, gestures, tone of voice, silence, and use of physical distance.
    • Nonverbal cues often reveal true feelings as they are less consciously controlled.

COMMUNICATION THEORIES

Types of Communication:
  • Intrapersonal Communication: Internal dialogue within the self; influenced by emotions and beliefs.
  • Interpersonal Communication: Direct interactions between individuals; influenced by cultural and cognitive variables.
Basic Assumptions of Communication Theory:
  • It's impossible to not communicate.
  • Every communication has both content and relational aspects.
  • Understanding of self and others is through communication.
  • Successful feedback validates perceptions.
  • Silent communication is also significant.
Models of Communication:
  1. Linear Model:
    • Components: Sender → Message → Receiver
    • Issues: One-way nature does not account for back-and-forth in interactions.
  2. Circular Transactional Model:
    • Emphasizes the interactive, reciprocal nature of communication across contexts.

THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION

  • Definition: Goal-directed form of communication to enhance client health and well-being.

  • Characteristics:

    • Purposeful and client-centered.
    • Non-judgmental, using specific techniques.
    • Aimed at ensuring clients know they are cared for and understood.

  • Goals:

    • Provide new information, correct misinformation.
    • Facilitate understanding of responses to health issues.
    • Assist with decision-making and enhance wellbeing.

COMMUNICATION USES & EFFECT THEORIES

  1. Agenda Setting Theory: Media influences public priorities through issue identification.
  2. Reinforcement Theory: Media has limited effects; changes are not readily achieved.
  3. Catharsis Theory: Media can help alleviate negative feelings.
  4. Cultivation Theory: Prolonged media exposure alters audience perceptions.
  5. Spiral of Silence Theory: People hesitate to voice dissenting opinions.
  6. Third Person Effect: People often believe others are more influenced by media than themselves.
  7. Social Learning Theory: Observational learning from media.
  8. Uses and Gratification Theory: Audience engages with media based on needs for information, pleasure, and social connection.

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

  • Characteristics:
    • Completeness, Conciseness, Clarity, Consideration, Correctness, Courtesy, Clarity.
  • Enables better understanding, problem resolution, and stronger interpersonal relationships.