Intrapersonal Communication

Different levels in communication. The levels of communication can be categorized in a four-fold pattern as intra-personal, direct interpersonal, mediated interpersonal, and mass.

Intrapersonal Communication

Intrapersonal communication takes place within a single person, often for the purpose of clarifying

ideas or analyzing a situation. Other times, intrapersonal communication is undertaken in order to

reflect upon or appreciate something.

Three aspects of intrapersonal communication are self-concept, perception and expectation. 

Self-concept  determines how a person sees him/herself and is oriented toward others. Self-concept (also called self-awareness) involves three factors: beliefs, values and attitudes.

           Beliefs are basic personal orientation toward what is true or false, good or bad; beliefs can be descriptive or prescriptive.

           Values are deep-seated orientations and ideals, generally based on beliefs, about right and wrong ideas and actions.

         Attitudes are tendency  toward or against a topic and generally are consistent with values. Attitudes often are global, typically emotional.

Beliefs, values and attitudes all influence behavior, which can be either spoken opinion or physical action. Also it includes  body image as an aspect of intrapersonal communication. Body image is a way of perceiving ourselves, positively or negatively, according to the social standards of our culture

 

Perception: Whereas self-concept focuses internally, perception looks outward. Perception of the outside

world also is rooted in beliefs, values and attitudes. It is so closely intertwined with self-concept

that creating a harmonious understanding of both oneself and one’s world.

Expectations: Expectations are future-oriented messages dealing with long-term roles, sometimes

called life scripts. These sometimes are projections of learned relationships within the family or society.

Intrapersonal communication may involve different levels of communication activity:

Internal discourse:  Internal discourse involves thinking, concentration and analysis. Also it  include both daydreaming and nocturnal dreaming in this category. Prayer, contemplation and meditation also are part of this category, negotiating with the inner self. Example: Consciously appreciating the beauty of a sunset.

 Solo vocal communication: Solo vocal communication includes speaking aloud to oneself. This may be done to clarify thinking, to rehearse a message intended for others. Example: Talking to yourself as you complain about your boss.

 Solo written communication : Solo written communication deals with writing not intended for others. Example: An entry in a diary or personal journal.