Biological and Physiological Perspectives on Interpersonal Communication (Chap. 4)
Lula W. Wallace
Liberty University
Biological and Physiological Perspectives on Interpersonal Communication
I. Interpersonal communication requires the use of anatomical and physiological systems.
A. All interpersonal behavior is due to biological interventions.
B. Understanding interpersonal communication requires understanding the biological and physiological influence in its intervention.
II. There is both a theoretical and methodological approach to understanding interpersonal communication.
A. An analysis of how our body reacts to various social behaviors is needed for the biophysiological perspective regarding interpersonal communication.
B. To understand
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Arguments on how communication skills are the results are certain traits have been made and many theories of the biological effects have been both studied and argued.
b. The apprehension to communication and speech anxiety led to much of the research done in communication (Knapp & Daly, 2011).
D. Physiological research as influenced interpersonal communication a great deal.
a. Affection plays a key role in reducing stress
b. Touch plays a key role in responses to stress
c. Research shows a correlation with stress and communication competencies and how they can buffer stress and its effects.
1. The negative affect of conflict, aggression and violence counteract positive ways to buffer stress
2. The HPA and SNS systems are affected by stress such as conflict, aggression and violence (Knapp & Daly, 2011)
E. Oxytocin is released when there is attraction and bonding in personal relationships
a. Odors and smells can attract people or prevent people from bonding with one another.
b. Some of the odors can heighten attraction
F. Emotions play a considerable role in communication
G. Behavior does not have to be interactive but planned in order to affect the physiology. This is called “theory of mind” (Knapp & Daly,
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It breaks down how biological and physiological effects how we communicate. The brain has a way to trigger certain responses and because of evolution and natural selection we are all justified by certain responses in theory. In this chapter you will find observations made by researchers on how touch and affection and conflict and aggressing is determined and how it affects our interpersonal relationships and communication with others. Both advantages and disadvantages in the belief and measurements of biophysiology is explored and suggestions for future research. It is in my view that God wants us to do all that we can to understand and accept one another. He wants us to learn about each other in order that we communicate from a place that represents Him. Just as the Bible teaches us in Philippians 3:17 “Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (ESV), I believe it is our duty to allow researchers to observe how we communicate and the things that prompt us to communicate is such the ways that we do. In doing, so we can learn ways to help one another express ourselves in more positive ways through communication. Romans 12:2 teaches “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good