Interpersonal Communication Journal: Cognitive, Affective and Behavioural Areas

Cognitive Area

1. In you reviewed the 13 Principles of Interpersonal Communication (as defined in PART 1-3 of your textbook). Choose any TWO of these principles and discuss thoroughly by providing specific examples of how you have experienced each in your own life. Please do not choose the same principle that you discussed in your video response for Lab Week #2.

1. Support is one of the six key elements of a satisfying relationship, recognizing who supports you in your life helps you gain a deeper understanding of your interpersonal relationships. Consider the following scenarios and identify whom you would call on for support for each. Provide reasons for your choices. 

a. You need to borrow money until your student loan comes in. Whom would you ask for a loan? Why? 

b. You just ended a relationship with a person that none of your friends or family like. Whom would you tell? Why? 

c. You need someone to help you move on the weekend. Whom would you ask? Why? 

d. You are stranded over an hour away from home and need someone to pick you up. Whom would you ask? Why? 

e. You need an opinion about the clothes you are wearing to an important interview. Whom would you ask? Why? 

How many of these were the same person? Was it difficult selecting individuals for any of the above situations? What did you learn about these relationships and the importance they play in your life? 

2. In navigating interpersonal relationships, it’s important to understand our own relationship with conflict. Critically reflect and respond to the following questions regarding conflict management:

a. How do you feel about conflict? 

b. Describe how you manage your emotions during conflict.

c. Do you view conflict as positive or negative? Why?

d. Provide TWO specific examples of recent conflicts you’ve experienced.

e. Describe what you would like to change about the way you deal with conflict.

What was your goal in each conflict?

Compare which conflict style(s) you used in each situation (see textbook for terms).

What was the outcome in each situation?

Would you do anything differently in either scenario given the chance?

Discuss if these conflicts made your relationships stronger or weaker.

1. Identify and discuss ONE interpersonal communication skills (e.g. effective listening, conflict management, nonverbal communication, or refer to the concepts covered in the textbook for more ideas) that you would like to improve. Consider the skill/goal you’ve identified and answer the following questions: 

a. Describe an area of interpersonal communication you would like to strengthen.

b. Explain why you want to improve this interpersonal skill. Why is this skill important?

c. Identify a person in your life who is effective in this area and describe his/her behaviour.

d. Discuss strategies you could use to strengthen your skills in this particular interpersonal area.

• Please do not complete the journal as an essay form, complete the journal as a reflection form. You only need to title the three sections (Cognitive, Affective and Behaviour Area) and number the responses in each sections.

• For the Cognitive section, the two principles that I chose which are number 8: Interpersonal communication develops and sustains relationships, and number 13: Interpersonal communication effectiveness can be learned. So, you just need to discuss thoroughly and explain each principle ( number 8 and 13) then give the example for each.

• The rest of the two sections (Effectiveness and Behaviour), number for your response and give each question a short answer with explanation, examples (if needed) and some thoughts from yourself.