Lecture 15: Anxiety/Uncertainty management theory

AUM Theoretical Assumption #3:

We experience some degree of anxiety when communicating withothers.

Interacting with strangers is characterized by what?

anxiety and uncertantiy

Uncertainty is a ________?

cognitive phenomenon

AUM Assumption #2:

Uncertainty is a fundamental condition of human life.

The AUM theory focuses on what?

Anxiety and Uncertainty management, by maintaining anxiety and uncertainty between their thresholds for effective communication

AUM Theoretical Assumption #5:

Being mindful requires us to negotiate meaning with strangers.

Uncertainty Reduction Theory PART 3

By increasing knowledge and understanding about strangers, the initial uncertainty can be reduced. As such, we can better DESCRIBE, PREDICT, AND EXPLAIN others' behaviors. Uncertainty reduction is a COGNITIVE process.

Uncertainty Reduction Theory PART 1

Charles Berger developed uncertainty reduction theory to explain the CONDITIONS under which people attempt to understand themselves and those with whom they have relationships.

AUM Theoretical Assumption #4:

Communication is considered effective to the extent that we are able to maximize understandings between the parties involved.

AUM Assumption #1:

Managing uncertainty and anxiety are central processes tha affect our communication with strangers.

Communicating effectively requires that our uncertainty is?

That our uncertainty is between our minimum and maximum threshold

The phrase, Anxiety is "a generalized or unspecified sense of disequilibrium" means what?

That we experience more anxiety when we're interacting with an out group member because we don't want to appear prejudiced or incompetent.

Uncertainty Reduction Theory PART 2

This theory assumes that when strangers meet, their primary concern is to REDUCE UNCERTANTIY about each other.

AUM was developed by?

William Gudykunst

Anxiety is the _________ equivalent of uncertaninty.

affective (emotional)

When we recognize differences in meaning, we may or may not attempt to correct them. Correcting misinterpretations needs what?

mindfulness