Interpersonal Communication- A Mindful Approach to Relationships, 2020a

Diatribe
Lastly, Angle discusses the diatribe (one-way, competitive). The goal of the diatribe conversation is “to
express emotions, browbeat those that disagree with you, and/or inspires those that share the same
perspective.” 10 For example, imagine that your best friend has come over to your dorm room, apartment,
or house to vent about the grade they received on a test.
There are many reasons why we communicate with each other, but what are our basic
? The first reason why we communicate is for physical needs. Research has shown that we need
to communicate with others because it keeps us healthier. There has been a direct link to mental and
physical health. For instance, it has been shown that people who have cancer, depression, and even
the common cold, can alleviate their symptoms simply by communicating with others. People who
communicate their problems, feelings, and thoughts with others are less likely to hold grudges, anger,
hostility, which in turn causes less stress on their minds and their bodies.
Another reason why we communicate with others is that it shapes who we are or identity needs.
Perhaps you never realized that you were funny until your friends told you that you were quite humorous.
Sometimes, we become who we are based on what others say to us and about us. For instance, maybe
your mother told you that you are a gifted writer. You believe that information because you were told that
by someone you respected. Thus, communication can influence the way that we perceive ourselves.
The third reason we communicate is for social needs. We communicate with others to initiate,
maintain, and terminate relationships with others. These relationships may be personal or professional.
In either case, we have motives or objectives for communicating with other people. The concept of
was created by Rebecca Rubin. She found that there are six main reasons why
individuals communicate with each other: control, relaxation, escape, inclusion, affection, and pleasure.
Control motives are means to gain compliance. Relaxation motives are ways to rest or relax. Escape
motives are reasons for diversion or avoidance of other activities. Inclusion motives are ways to express
emotion and to feel a link to the other person. Affection motives are ways to express one’s love and
caring for another person. Pleasure motives are ways to communicate for enjoyment and excitement.
To maintain our daily routine, we need to communicate with others. The last reason we communicate
is for practical needs. To exchange information or solve problems, we need to talk to others.
Communication can prevent disasters from occurring. To create and/or sustain a daily balance in our
lives, we need to communicate with other people. Hence, there is no escaping communication. We do it
all the time.
Key Takeaways
Communication is very important, and we should not take it for granted.
There are six communication motives: control, affection, relaxation, pleasure,
inclusion, and escape. There are four communication needs: physical, identity,
social, and practical.
Communication habits are hard to change.
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Interpersonal Communication