Non-Verbal Communication and Romantic Relationships
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lindadriggers
By obtaining participants from a large sample of different age groups, cultural backgrounds and gender, the research results were adequate. The emergent observation was that the participants showed different non-verbal communication cues during various relationship stages. These observations were compared to those socially expected as a paradigm for romantic relationships. Those at the first stages showed little non-verbal communication as they heavily relied on verbal communication to convey their messages. On the other hand, couples who have been in the relationship for a longer period of time heavily relied on non-verbal cues for communication. This showed that the use of non-verbal communication increases as the relationship ages.
From the study, however, the researchers also observe that there are other underlying factors that may affect communication. Conflict, for instance, made non-verbal relationships become negative rather than positive. This was noticed where communication breakdown is prevalent, such as exclusively dating couples. In such scenarios, a reduction or increase in certain touch and facial expressions is often misinterpreted and leads to conflicts. Cultural background and gender also contributed to the interpretation and use of non-verbal communication. Men were observed to initiate touch in early stages of the relationships, while women did so in the older relationships. Age was also a major factor that determined the mode of communication. Younger couples engaged in more touching as compared to their old counterparts, who used mostly facial expressions.
In conclusion, the study observed that the identities of couples affected their relationships. By being aware of their partner’s personal needs and cultural interpretations, conflicts in relationships could be avoided. This would then enable the relationship benefit from its non-verbal communication.
From the study on the stages of romantic relationships, it may be observed that there are similar paradigms are ascribed to romantic relationships as well as platonic ones. From the study, it may be concluded that social identity will affect the efficiency of communication in all relationships. Non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and touching, have been a major aspect of my sports life. The cohesiveness of team members in an American football team can be compared to that found in romantic relationships. Here, the paradigms of loyalty, trust, and self-sacrifice are existent. The aspect of sharing (in terms of facilities, interests, and rewards) is also predominant in both relationships. The changes ascribed to non-verbal cues used in communication amongst team members also change as the team co-exists for a longer period.
This form of communication is required in the field of play as it will affect decision making and reaction to opportunities and threats. Successful teams are often characterized by an effective non-verbal communication system. Negative communication is also observed whenever team members are in conflict. Age, cultural norms and salience affects how the team members strive to ensure effective communication amongst them. Reliance on verbal communication is predominant in early bonding stages and gradually develops into non-verbal cues that are understood by the team mates.
In order to fully accept the paradigms of team communication, interpersonal communication has to exist amongst the members. This is definitely affected by their social identity. By ensuring that all the parties involved have learnt to appreciate their co-team members’ personal identity, it is only then that the paradigm of non-verbal communication would work. This will mean understanding that their needs, beliefs and norms are compromise through effective communication. By doing so, the entire team would benefit and enjoy the positive aspects of non-verbal communication.
3 years, 9 months ago