Communication theory in IPT

Question 1

From attachment theory, what is com theory?

Answer 1

Attachment styles inform communication style (Stuart, 2006), such that insecurely attached individuals have poorer communication skills, and in turn, weaker social relationships.

Question 2

How is com style evident to the therapist?

Answer 2

The therapist acts as a model (Transference). E.g., overly needy or calling multiple times a day may signal overly dependent communication styles.

Question 3

Evidence between com style and well-being

Answer 3

1. Feeney (1994) Link between relationships satisfaction and communication style
2. Poor patterns of communication are inextricably linked as both a cause and symptom of depression (Bos et al., 2017)
3. Research has found that communication based counselling and therapy are widely effective (Jesus Mari et al., 2005)

Question 4

Real world example?

Answer 4

In the UK, suicide is the single largest killer of men under the age of 45.
This has been labelled the silent epidemic (Hunt, 2017) .In part, this may be attributed to the expectation for men to be emotionally stoic. It is not considered traditionally masculine to openly discuss one’s emotions.

Question 5

How would depression affect com style?

Answer 5

It is important to give the patient their ‘sick role’ to help them understand that depression and poor communication is cyclical (Markowitz & Weissman, 2004).
Depression leads to lethargy, hypersensitivity to social rejection, lacking self-confidence and worth, and a weakened ability to read other’s emotion (Baren-Cohen, 2004).

Question 6

HOWEVER: Personality

Answer 6

Communication styles may be difficult to improve if the patient’s current style is intertwined with their personality.
For example, psychopathy (lacking empathy). Empathy is crucial for building trustworthiness and rapport, so without, may be difficult to establish lasting relationships (Baren-Cohen, 2004).
E.g., Those with the dark triad (Machiavellianism, Psychopathy and Narcissicm) have more sexual partners, more illegitmate partners and greater preferences for exploitative and short-term mating strategies (Carter, Campbell & Muncer, 2014).

Question 7

HOWEVER: Culture (language) (2)

Answer 7

1. Collectivist and individualistic cultures differ on their language usage (Rothbaum, 2011)
   In the West for example, ‘no’ is a fine response as openness and honesty are accepted. Whereas in Japan, ‘no’ is considered impolite as being outspoken and nonconformist upsets the group-orientated atmosphere.
2. African Americans were found to be more expressive than Asian Americans (Allan, Campos and Wimberely, 2016). Also seen in the Bolton et al., 2013 Ugandan study, where expressiveness surrounding the dead (encouraged in the West to aid grieving) was not culturally appropriate.

Question 8

HOWEVER: Culture (body language)

Answer 8

In Hispanic cultures, touching and intimacy is considered friendly and polite. However, in Asian cultures, eye contact is sometimes considered rude. In the West, some cultures prefer to be at arms distance. (Tucker)

Question 9

HOWEVER: Gender

Answer 9

Men and women are encouraged differently from social labelling (Money & Erhardt, 1972) to maintain their social roles and behaviour. Women may be encouraged to be more expressive, whereas boys (traditionally) are less likely to be so expressive.

Question 10

Therapeutic alliance

Answer 10

Robertson, Rushton & Wurm (2008)
Most important technique than any other.
Can build a secure and safe place for changes to take place
Provides an opportunity to satisfy their attachment needs and experience a fulfilling relationship

Question 11

Communication analysis

Answer 11

Weissman (2008)
Attuned to detect dysfunctional/indirect/ambiguous communication styles that could be changed. Use other accounts to counterbalance bias accounts from the client.

Question 12

Scott (2016)

Answer 12

Communication styles are the biggest bio-hazard to our relationships.