Summary
In this chapter we discussed how to identify psychological, cultural, cognitive, and expressive dimensions of emotions and their impact on interpersonal communication. We covered personality, social, and relational influences on emotional expression and how they impact our perceptions. Emotional intelligence plays a large role in communication competence, and understanding the dimensions of emotional intelligence helps us to achieve our goals. After reading this chapter you should be able to apply the skills we discussed in order to understand, express, and respond to emotions, and implement strategies to manage or minimize debilitative emotions and how to foster or maximize facilitative emotions. By managing and coping with our emotions during difficult times, we can increase our communication competence.
Discussion Questions
- Do you think that the language used around emotions impacts how that emotion is experienced? For example, using the word “furious” as opposed to “angry”, or “confident” instead of “successful” can impact the physiological or psychological impact of that emotion? Why or why not?
- Is there a time you have used masking (intentional or unintentional) that helped or hindered your communication?
- How do you think the ABC model relates to emotional intelligence? Have you had an experience where you used the ABC model to enhance an experience? Are there ways that you can continue to use the ABC model to promote relational and self growth?
- We know that emotions are not inherently negative as we experience them at all times, but the perception is that we should avoid being “emotional.” Is there a time in your life when you experienced a reaction to being “emotional?” Is there a way for us to change this perception?
- How do you think social media impacts your emotions? Do you think that you experience emotional contagion from the types of social media you consume?
