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4-1 Communication Technology Theories
4-1 Module Four: Communication Technology Theories
Southern New Hampshire University
Professor Devin Sipley
COM-315-R3158 Communication in Digital Age 24EW3
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4-1 Communication Technology Theories
The selected relationship for this analysis is my marriage to my spouse. This relationship was chosen due to its significance in our lives and the potential for valuable insights into communication dynamics. We have a strong bond and have been able to work through difficult issues over the years. Her and I also developed effective strategies for resolving conflicts and maintaining a healthy relationship.
The theories I chose to apply and analyze are the following: attachment theory, affection exchange theory, attribution theory, and politeness theory. Using these theories I explored various aspects of our connection. Through the analysis, I want to identify how attachment and affection exchange affect our communication, how attribution theory shapes our perception of each other, and how politeness theory influences the way we interact with each other.
Similarities and Differences
The similarities between attachment theory and affection exchange theory lie in their focus on emotional bonds and resource allocation. Both theories emphasize the importance of emotional availability and responsiveness in maintaining a strong connection. Attachment theory, with its attachment styles, provides a deeper understanding of how individuals' attachment experiences form the foundation of their relationships. Affection exchange theory, on
the other hand, offers a more quantitative approach to understanding the exchange of emotions in
relationships. Attribution theory and politeness theory, while distinct in their theoretical frameworks, also share similarities. Attribution theory focuses on how individuals attribute the causes of events and behaviors, while politeness theory deals with social norms and conventions.
Both theories provide insights into how communication can be influenced by external factors, such as social norms and expectations.
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Attachment Theory
Attachment theory explores how individuals form and maintain emotional bonds, with a focus on attachment styles (secure, anxious-ambivalent, and avoidant). “
The theory focuses more broadly on how attachment styles function within various types of relationships. Research on adult attachment has focused on uncovering attachment-style differences in cognition, emotion, and communication” (Multiple perspectives 2021).
I believe the attachment theory applies to my relationship with my spouse because It emphasizes the importance of emotional connection and the bonds between people. Attachment theory also provides a useful framework for understanding how emotions can be exchanged in relationships. This theory helps me to better understand how my spouse and I communicate our emotions, and how we can better manage them.
After analyzing attachment theory, I feel that it informs my understanding of this relationship. Attachment theory suggests that our emotions can be exchanged through non-verbal
cues, such as facial expressions and body language. This helps me to be aware of how my spouse
and I are expressing our emotions, and to understand better how to interpret and respond to them.
Additionally, attachment theory helps me to better manage my emotions in this relationship by understanding how the dynamics of our relationship influence my emotions.
Attachment theory taught me how to improve my communication in my relationship with
my spouse and other by understanding how our attachment style affects the way we interact with each other (Cleveland Clinic n.d.). This theory also helped me to recognize my own attachment 3
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style and how it influences my behavior in relationships. This knowledge enabled me to develop strategies to better manage my relationships and create healthier connections with others.
Affection Exchange Theory
Affection exchange theory examines the exchange and allocation of emotional resources in relationships. This theory “proposes that affectionate communication contributes to survival and reproductive success through the enhancement of relational bonds” (Multiple Perspectives 2021). I believe that this theory applies to my relationship with my spouse because it suggests that affection is mutually beneficial, and that couples who express and receive affection are better able to cope with stressors and are more likely to form strong relationships. My spouse and I regularly exchange affection, which has enabled us to build a strong bond and better understand each other’s needs. This theory informs my understanding of my relationship with my spouse by providing evidence that affection is essential to a healthy relationship. Emphasizing the importance of expressing and receiving affection. Showing how affection can lead to better coping mechanisms. This theory taught me that it is critical to continue to cultivate that affection bond between my spouse and me. I learned that affection is the foundation of a successful relationship and that it can help to build a sense of trust, understanding, and security. It can also help to reduce stress levels and provide emotional support in times of difficulty. It also encourages open communication and problem-solving, which can help to strengthen the bond between spouses. The affection exchange theory states that affection is the currency in any relationship and that it is important to express and receive affection in order to maintain a healthy
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and happy relationship. This theory can be applied to parent-child relationships, sibling relationships, and even friendships. “Affection Exchange Theory posits that affectionate behaviors have a reciprocal nature. In other words, when one person initiates an act of affection, the other person is likely to respond with a similar gesture” (Murphy 2023). It is important to remember that in any relationship, it is important to show and receive affection to maintain a strong bond.
Attribution Theory
Attribution theory focuses on how individuals attribute the causes of events and behaviors. It suggests that people attribute events to internal or external causes. This theory “describes and explains the mental and communicative processes involved in our everyday explanations” (Multiple Prespectives 202). Attributions can "influence how people interpret and respond to events. Furthermore, they can lead to changes in behavior, as people adjust their behavior in response to the attributions they make" (AttributionsTheory n.d.). I believe some of the concepts of the attribution theory can be applied to my relationship between my spouse and I. I have come
to realize that my spouse's behavior is often a reflection of my behavior. When I feel frustrated or
unhappy with our relationship, it is often caused by something I have done and not by souse. Therefore, by changing my behavior, I can likely change the outcome of our relationship.
Learning about the theory of attribution taught me how to improve my communication in my relationship because by understanding the power of attribution, I can identify my own role in any conflicts and take steps to make changes. I also gained insight into how my spouse may be
feeling and how my behavior may be affecting them and how to adjust my own behavior in 5
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response. This has allowed me to work on improving our relationship and making it stronger. The same insight I gained from this theory that I applied to my relationship with my spouse can be applied to relationships with other people in my family. This theory helped me to better understand how my behavior affects others and how I can adjust it to make it more positive. I have also been able to use this understanding to create better relationships with people
outside of my family.
Politeness Theory
Politeness theory explores the social norms and conventions that govern social interactions. “Politeness theory suggests that people adjust their communication style and strategy based on the feedback and context they receive”(Andaloussi 2024). This theory suggests
that certain behaviors, such as using polite language, are socially expected in order to maintain harmonious relationships. It further argues that politeness can be used to manipulate and control people’s behavior. The concept of politeness applies to my relationship with my spouse by because by being polite and respectful to one another, we can create an environment of trust and understanding. This will help us to effectively communicate with each other and resolve conflicts. We can also use politeness to encourage positive behaviors in each other.
As a result of learning about the politeness theory, I was able to understand how I can speak politely and be respectful in order to make sure my ideas are heard and that my wife is understood and heard. Having this approach has helped us resolve conflicts and strengthen our relationship in a constructive way. It seems to me that the concept of politeness is applicable to everyone and not just to my spouse. Being polite is also important in our work lives. By being 6
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polite and respectful of others, we can create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected. This will also help build trust and understanding between colleagues.
Through the application of these theories, I have learned the importance of understanding
our attachment styles and communicating our needs effectively. I have also gained a deeper understanding of the dynamics of emotional exchange and the importance of prioritizing emotional well-being. Attribution theory has taught me to be more mindful of how I interpret and
respond to my partner's actions, while politeness theory has highlighted the role of social norms and expectations in effective communication. These theories have helped me gain a deeper understanding of our relationship and informed my approach to communication. By differentiating between the theories and exploring their similarities and differences, I have gained insights into how to communicate more effectively in this relationship and in similar contexts.
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References:
Attribution theory. RSS. (n.d.). https://www.structural-learning.com/post/attribution-
theory#:~:text=These%20attributions%20can%20be%20categorized,their%20motivation
%20and%20self%2Dconcept.
ANDALOUSSI, D. (2024, January 13). What are some best practices for applying politeness
theory to social media interactions and engagement?. How to Use Politeness Theory for
Social Media Engagement. https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/what-some-best-practices-
applying-politeness-theory
Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/25170-attachment-styles
Engaging Theories in Interpersonal Communication : Multiple Perspectives, edited by Dawn O.
Braithwaite, and Paul Schrodt, Taylor & Francis Group, 2021.
ProQuest Ebook Central,
http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/snhu-ebooks/detail.action?docID=6727136.
Created from snhu-ebooks on 2024-02-03 04:37:16.
Murphy, T. F. (2023, December 7). Affection Exchange theory. Psychology Fanatic
https://psychologyfanatic.com/affection-exchange-theory/
Professional, Cleveland. Clinic. medical. (n.d.). Attachment styles in infancy & adulthood.
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