| There are multiple ways to communicate messages but each way has its source in the intrapersonal system. Analysis of communication has been done using a perspective that limits the understanding and scope of the intrapersonal system. Each individual lives in this system and communicates from it.;When studies of communication began, they were based on what could be observed. Since interpersonal communication could be observed, it became the basis for understanding communication exchanges between people. This was not an accurate view because individuals could not expose the intrapersonal system they were experiencing as they communicated. The interpersonal exchanges they witnessed were the visual, surface trappings but they knew nothing about the source of them---like the frosting on the cake and nothing was known about the cake.;To see if changing intrapersonal understanding would change interpersonal communication, McMaster did a grounded theory study. Because the intrapersonal system was an unexplored area in communication research, grounded-theory methodology was selected. Thirteen students were asked to become aware of their intrapersonal communication and from their self-reports, categories were developed.;The first set of categories discussed what ideas they held about communication when they began the class. These categories were: social reality, perception, emotions, relationship building, and self-criticism. As they practiced awareness of the intrapersonal system they changed their interpersonal communication in accordance with what they observed intrapersonally. The second set of categories reflected this change: self-image, social observations, positive thinking, listening, self-observation, and self awareness in relationships. The results from this study seemed to be consistent with the hypothesis that: The less self-aware people are, the lower the intrapersonal and interpersonal communication effectiveness.;What could be concluded from this? It appears that communication can be improved when communicators become aware of their intrapersonal system and communicate from that focus. The students in this study reported being less constrained by rules and expectations of others. They reported an increase in self-confidence. They believed that they were better able to relate to others. |
