Intrapersonal Communication

This outline was originally prepared by Prof. Grace Bernadette Mendoza Intrapersonal Communication is the type of communication that occurs within an individual making the “sending out” communicator also the “receiving” communicator. The Self refers to the entire person; the union of elements (such as body, emotions, thoughts, and sensations) that constitute his individuality and identity. (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary)Self-Concept and Self EsteemSelf-Concept – “… the ways in which we think about and describe ourselves”Self- Esteem – “… the degree to which we like those descriptions of ourselves” (Jean M. Civikly, 1981)Self- Concept Formation1. Reflected Appraisals a. The Principle of Direct Reflections - self concept is largely shaped by the responses of others. You are deeply influenced by other people’s attitudes towards you. b. The Principle of Perceived Self – self- concept is formed based on our imagination of others’ judgments of us. The question here is not “What is the other person’s attitude towards me?” but “What do I perceive to be his attitude towards me?”(based on “looking glass self” by Cooley, 1912) 2. Social Comparisons “Human beings learn about themselves by comparing themselves with others.”Summary:Self Concept is the perception or the view we have of ourselves with regard to our physical appearance, intelligence, personality, strengths and weaknesses.Self-Concept is formed through one’s interaction with others; through our self-perception of our own behavior; through social comparison; and through influences of our culture.Self-Concept and CommunicationA positive self- concept will likely lead to a more confident and improved communication transactions. If a person sees himself as one with positive qualities, his communication attempts will also be more positive and relaxed.A negative self-concept will most likely affect one’s communication skills badly. This kind of negative point of view towards one’s personality can lead to poor communication skills.How to Improve One’s Self-ConceptArthur Koch (1995) suggested the following guidelines on how to improve one’s self-concept.o Be willing to change. Accept the fact that developing self-concept is a continuing process.o Be willing to forgive yourself. People make mistakes.o Set realistic goals. Don’t expect or demand too much of yourself.o Develop your uniqueness. Strive to be the very best that you can.o Stand up for what you believe. Don’t always go along with the crowd.o View yourself in the proper perspective. Include both the real and ideal self in your self-concept.Self- Awareness and Self- DisclosureSelf- Awareness is the degree to which a person can claim knowledge and understanding about himself.Self- Disclosure is the degree to which he is willing to share parts of himself with others.JOHARI Windowconceptualized by Joe Luft and Harrington InghamThe self is analogous to a window composed of four (4) panes or quadrants:The Open Self represents various types of information or knowledge known to the self and known to others, or that which you are willing to divulge or share with others.The Blind Self is that quadrant that represents information which is known to others but unknown to self.The Hidden Self represents things or information known to self but unknown to others.The Unknown Self represents information unknown both to you and to others.The Ideal JOHARI Window (according to the standards of effective communication)WISEMAN and BARKER MODELIntrapersonal communication is the “creating, functioning, and evaluation of symbolic processes which operate within the originating or responding communicator.” (1974)