Symbolic Convergence Theory

Symbolic Convergence Theory

Example: Groups You are In

Official Student Section of ACU: THE FIRE SQUAD

The example of the groups you are in supports the Symbolic Convergence Theory. When people form groups and get comfortable with one another they begin to dramatize and form close bonds.  Symbolic convergence is essentially group consciousness or group cohesiveness.  That said, forming a group and growing closer together through acts like dramatization and fantasy lead to that group cohesiveness or symbolic convergence.

I see and have seen the Symbolic Convergence Theory play out numerous times in my life.  Every sports team I've played has had that group cohesiveness.  Every student section I have been a part of has had that group cohesiveness.  Being able to bond as a group and feed off one another is what makes groups grow closer and tighter together.  That is why the teams I have played on over the years regarding sports have been so good and close.  We all formed bonds that will last a lifetime (especially my high school baseball team) and will have each other's back no matter what.  This theory will be very helpful to me in regards to my communication skills.  Knowing how groups bond together is essential for good communication.  This theory shows that once a group is formed members bond together through things like dramatization, fantasy, rhetoric vision, etc...  Being a part of groups like this has allowed me to see that symbolic convergence aids communicating with others.  If you have that group cohesiveness, communicating with others is much easier.  You don't have to be shy about sharing something or be self-consciousness about anything.  The group will love you for who you are and won't make fun of you.  You can be yourself and just relax.  That is something that I have learned from personal experience regarding symbolic convergence and the amazing groups I have joined.

Interactional View Theory

Interactional View Theory

Example: Each Family Member Takes on a Role That Serves the Status Quo

Problem, Enabler, Deny-er, Hero...Which One Are You?

The example of each family member taking a role that serves the status quo supports the Interactional View Theory.  Paul Watzlawick's goal for this theory was to gain insight into healthy communication by looking at dysfunctional families.  An important point to make is that every family in the world, whether rich or poor, small or big, miles apart or everyone under one roof has its problems that make it dysfunctional.  The roles in which each family member plays makes up the status quo of the family.  Another point to make is that each of us delegates a role (ourselves included) to the other family members.  The ironic part about doing that is that each of us serve different roles in the other's minds.  Usually if you believe another family member is the problem, they label you the problem in their labeling of the family roles.  Family is a very important!  Being able to communicate positively in a family is hard work, but we should always strive for excellence and limit the dysfunctional moments to a minimum.

While researching this theory I learned a lot of information about how families work and ways to change communication patterns that will allow for healthy communication to develop amongst family members.  The biggest thing I take away from the Interactional View Theory that will help improve my communication skills would be reframing myself and my role in my family.  I see myself as the hero a lot because I believe that I am better an what I really am.  That is a pride issue and pride is a huge factor in families.  Nobody wants to admit that they are the problem.  Instead, we (myself included) try to hide our flaws and imperfections by pushing the blame on others family members.  I have learned to reframe myself in a way that mirrors and reflects Biblical values and honors God.  This chapter was a good reminder to always remember to be that light shining for God.  I believe that if I work on reframing myself to look like this, my communication with my family will get better and our family communication as a whole will improve and be healthy.  After all, each family member has to admit that they have flaws (lose the pride) and work on reframing themselves in order for the entire to begin to have healthy communication.

Expectancy Violations Theory

Expectancy Violations Theory

Example: 4 Zones of Space

I'm Not Touching You....

The example of the four zones of space, thought up by Edward Hall, supports the Expectancy Violations Theory.  This is because the four zones each represent a distance of how comfortable people are within that space.  Depending how comfortable a person is within that space will result in an outcome that is expected or not expected.  Hall believed that an effective communicator will adjust their nonverbal behavior to fit the rules their partner has created in their zone.  Judee Burgoon thought that sometimes violating these zone rules (people's expectations) would be a good strategy to conformity because it would catch someone off guard.  The first zone is known as "Intimate Distance."  The distance is between 0-18 inches.  The second zone is known as "Personal Distance."  The distance is between 18 inches - 4 feet.  The third zone is known as "Social Distance."  The distance is between 4-10 feet.  The fourth zone is known as "Public Distance."  The distance is 10 feet and beyond.

I see these zones of space playing a key role in improving my communication.  I never realized that there was a theory out there that related to my "personal bubble."  Nobody likes their personal bubble to popped, but sometimes the unexpected behavior of someone can cause you to act in a way in which you never thought possible.  Knowing that people's bubbles are split into four spaces based off of certain distances is very helpful.  Having this knowledge will allow me to act in a way that respects people's bubbles.  By respecting the bubbles of others, I expect a positive outcome in my conversation with them.  There might be a situation where I have to go against the norm and violate a person's bubble in order to keep them on their toes and give them something unexpected in order to get a the result or reaction I am seeking.  Overall, this is a neat theory and am looking forward to see if people unexpectedly pop my bubble or keep their distance.

Social Penetration Theory

Social Penetration Theory

Example: Humans are like onions

Peelin' Back Those Layers

The example of humans being like onions supports the Social Penetration Theory.  This is because the definition of this theory states that "as relationships develop, communication moves from relatively shallow, non-intimate levels to deeper more personal ones."  So, as two or more people get to know each other, they begin to move from basic knowledge about what their favorite color is and how old they are to intimate topics like what they want to do with their life and what kind of person they would like to marry.  People peel back the outer layers of their person and slowly get to their heart like you would peel layers of an onion back to get to its core.  The onion analogy is also used in the movie Shrek.  It is a simple and easy way to remember what the Social Penetration Theory is about.

The example of an onion, in regards to the Social Penetration Theory, is a very helpful reminder when it comes to improving my communication skills.  I will think about it especially when it comes to meeting new people and starting new relationships.  It serves as a reminder that I shouldn't immediately tell people my life story in the first five minutes I meet them (don't worry I've never done that).  For starters, that creeps people out and they will think you are weird.  Second of all, people just don't do that.  I've never thought about this example or this theory before.  However, after reading and learning about it, I can see I've always put this example into practice even though I never knew I was doing it.  When I meet people for the first time, I share quick facts and non-personal information about me with them.  If I get comfortable with them and know we will be good friends, I share more personal information.  Overtime, I have met lifelong friends that I know I can share anything with them at any time.  I thank God he's blessed me with a solid group friends who can share everything with each other and know that we all have each other's backs.  An important point to make is that I feel like one can never peel back all the layers and get to the core of a person.  As human beings, we are always changing and are unpredictable.  That said, it is always an adventure when it come to relationships with people because you never know what kind of conversation you might have or how their personality might be changing (for good or bad).  In the end, and I've had many people tell me this because I like to talk seeing as I am really comfortable doing so, is that less is more.  People don't need to know or want to know everything about you the first time they meet you.  Take your time and enjoy getting to know new people because it will be an adventure!