Communication

What are communication barriers in psychology and how to overcome them?

Communication between people can be complicated by the presence of various barriers.

It is important to learn how to overcome the difficulties encountered during communication and establish effective contacts.

Communication barrier - what is it in psychology?

Under the barriers are understood factors that contribute to the emergence of conflicts, misunderstandings.

Similar negative aspects interfere with effective interaction between people.

WITH psychological point of view Barriers are differences in temperaments, characters, upbringing, demeanor, emotional characteristics, etc. Social barriers are different social roles, statuses, financial position, etc.

Causes of Understanding Difficulties

Some personalities constantly face communication difficulties with other people. This usually happens for the following reasons:

  1. Inability and unwillingness to listen to the interlocutor. This is the most common cause of problems during communication.

    The inability to listen is manifested in the constant desire to interrupt opponents, to impose their opinion on any issue.

    The need for a person to speak out is so great that he often interrupts people who are more knowledgeable about the issue solely from the desire to “insert their five kopecks”. Interlocutors end up experiencing irritation. Their self-love suffers because of an open disrespect of the opponent. Unwillingness to listen, unlike inability, does not mean the desire to take the floor at any cost. This is a manifestation of complete indifference to another person. It is possible to overcome a similar problem by demonstrating interest even in its absence.

  2. Inability to understand the mood of the interlocutor. Often people are so addicted to their story that they do not even notice the state of their opponent. A person may be upset, tired, annoyed, anxious, etc. At such moments, he is least interested in the stories that other people seek to tell him. Complete disregard for the state of another person speaks of emotional coldness, indifference, inattention.
  3. Closeness. Each individual has a certain level of openness towards others. Someone easily enters into new connections, starts dating. And for someone any contact is a big problem.

    When people come across an interlocutor who demonstrates with his whole appearance an unwillingness to come closer and establish contact, they experience discomfort. As a result, communication ends before it starts.

  4. Low self-esteem. Individuals suffering from self-doubt often feel uncomfortable during conversations with others. It seems to them that they themselves are not smart enough, interesting, charming, etc. Stress leads to stiffness, which makes it difficult to talk freely.
  5. Aggressiveness. No one likes to communicate with interlocutors who, for any reason, begin to show aggression against their opponent. Such negative behavior is characteristic of envious, caustic, tough people. As a rule, they unconsciously or consciously transfer their inner contradictions to those around them.

Types of obstacles

Effective communication can be hindered by barriers of a different nature.

Communicative

During any communication occurs transfer of information from one subject to another.

The more accurately perceived and analyzed information receiving their subject, the more successful the communication takes place.

Communication barriers in communication that may occur during the transfer of information:

  1. Logical. Inability to build a causal relationship, to think logically. A person can talk a lot, but completely out of business. Usually the problem is the lack of sufficient vocabulary, inability to formulate thoughts.
  2. Semantic. Differences in people's understanding of information can lead to a complete distortion of the information received. Every person is aware of what he is told, based on the available data, life experience, his own ideas, beliefs, etc. Accordingly, the meaning that one interlocutor has put into the concept may not coincide with the interpretation of the same concept by another person. As a result, at the end of a conversation on any topic, the parties form completely different conclusions.
  3. Phonetic. Too fast speech of the interlocutor can cause poor perception of incoming information.

    Also, communication is complicated by parasitic words, pronunciation defects, accent.

  4. Stylistic. It occurs when the form of communication does not correspond to its content. The stylistic barrier of communication causes dissatisfaction with the opponent, provokes poor learning. For example, when negotiations develop into a monologue, and the report turns into a reading of the outline.
  5. Emotional. Having received information on any significant issue, a person can completely surrender to emotions and stop logically analyzing the information received. At such a moment, the experiences that arose after receiving the news come out on top.

Perceptual

At this level arises problem with the perception of another, with the adoption of the characteristics of his personality or appearance.

Possible perceptual barriers:

  1. Aesthetic. The rejection of the appearance of the interlocutor can interfere with the objective perception of his personality. Irritation can cause any feature of appearance, carelessness.
  2. Estimated. Information about a person received from third parties can greatly affect his perception. Even before acquaintance with an opponent, a certain image arises, formed on the basis of information received from other persons. This image forms a deliberately definite relationship to a person.

    Even if the real person does not correspond to the information received, it is extremely difficult to change the opinion that has developed unconsciously.

  3. Emotional. Often, the negative emotional state of a person is regarded as a manifestation of his attitude towards the interlocutor. In other words, we explain the bad mood of the opponent by his rejection of our person. Although the true reason may lie in personal problems and experiences that have nothing to do with us.
  4. Social. Problems with the perception of a person may arise due to the difference in social statuses. Subordinates are often afraid and disliked by the chief solely because of his dominant position, and the superior neglects the opinion of the subordinates because of the awareness of his superiority over them.

Psychological

Some psychological personality traits can negatively affect the process of its communication with others.

Often, these features are perceived by interlocutors at a subconscious level, although they do not appear outwardly.

Psychological barriers to communication:

  1. Modality. People are divided into audials, kinesthetes and visuals. Representatives of different modalities are often difficult to understand each other.
  2. Fear of people. Fear of contact leads to tongue-tiedness, stiffness, closure.
  3. Negative experience. Unsuccessful past experience of communicating with others can cause the emergence of complexes that prevent the establishment of contacts in the future.
  4. Transfer. On opponents transferred ideas about other similar personalities.

    For example, a person who looks like an unloved relative will cause negative emotions.

  5. Age difference. People of different age groups often face problems during communication. The classic option: parent-child conflicts.
  6. Primary impression. As you know, the first impression is the strongest. Initially formed opinion is very difficult to change.
  7. Premature conclusions. The desire to label a person can be explained by the fear of rejection, negative experiences, associations, self-confidence.

Ways to overcome

How to overcome communication difficulties?

First you need get rid of selfishnessif present.

The greatest success in society is enjoyed by people who know how to show sincere interest in others.

Openness to communication, the ability to empathize, the ability to provide support, self-criticism - all these qualities are highly valued in general.

People who are fixated on their personalities are often surrounded by a large number of acquaintances, but they don’t have to rely on sincere friendship and participation.

Also important to learn to listen. According to scientists, the most successful is the conversation, during which the source speaks at least 70% of the time.

After such communication, there is guaranteed sympathy for the grateful listener, who has shown a sincere interest in the conversation.

The key to successful communication is a positive attitude towards others. One should cultivate delicacy, respect for people, tolerance. Any aggression must be suppressed, as any person deserves respect and understanding.

Even if the position of the interlocutor is erroneous, it is possible to find ways of respectful dialogue without the use of negative utterances. The ability to avoid any conflicts, and smooth out sharp corners is the key to effective communication with any personalities.

Popular psychological tool for establishing communications - use of understanding response techniques.

Affirmative gestures, approving words, a reformulated point of view of the interlocutor - all this causes a positive response from another participant in the conversation at a subconscious level.

In the presence of serious psychological problems that interfere with establishing contacts with others, It is recommended to attend various trainings.

In group classes, experts will help develop necessary communication skills, overcome existing barriers.

Also a great benefit will visit a psychologist who will help to cope with existing problems.

Psychology tips

How to overcome difficult communication? Learning to communicate with others can, following the advice of experts.

What to do if it is difficult to communicate with people?

To change the situation you need initially identify the cause of the problem.

If this is due to various complexes, phobias, fears, you should seek help from specialists.

If communication does not add up due to personality traitsthat you can adjust yourself, you need to start working on yourself. Get rid of shyness and improve self-esteem will help sports, hobbies.

Any success (sports, career, personal) should be regarded as an important achievement.

Acceptance of oneself and one's own characteristics will help to relax, stop thinking about the impression made on others.

In the end, will gradually appear necessary for effective communication. openness.

How to stop being afraid?

Is it difficult to communicate with people? Get rid of the fear of people and communication possible using the following techniques:

  • perceive all new interlocutors as acquaintances and friends;
  • Do not worry because of your own shyness, which is a normal feeling;
  • forcing yourself to constantly communicate with different people and make new acquaintances, despite the fear;
  • concentrate on the topic of conversation, blocking all disturbing thoughts;
  • develop the ability to express themselves clearly, specifically;
  • avoid excessive courtesy, bordering on obsequiousness;
  • to master breathing techniques that help you relax in a critical situation.

So, communication between people is complicated by a large number of different barriers. The ability to overcome difficulties and interact effectively with others is the key to success in society.

About the communication barriers in this video:

Watch the video: 10 Barriers to Effective Communication (May 2024).