Types of communication and why it is important to understand your communication style?

Understanding your communication style can be beneficial to your overall health, as well for the relationships around you. Your communication style impacts your self esteem and self confidence, as well benefits resolving conflict when it arises.There are four types of communication styles - passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive. 

Passive Communication - the individual is not expressing their needs, thoughts, or feelings, as well allowing others to dominate conversation and putting their needs on the back burner to avoid conflict. Other traits are having poor eye contact and/or low tone of voice. Example of passive communication: “only if you don’t mind” - “It really does not matter to me.” Passive communication can lead to resentment, anger, and invalidation. 

Aggressive Communication - the individual utilizes criticism, harsh tone, and domination in their language. There are frequent disruptions, shown inability to listen to others, as well no consideration to others rights. Example of aggressive communication: “If you don’t like how I am doing it then deal with it or go somewhere else.” Aggressive communication can lead to further conflict and escalation, as well as other consequences, such as loss of relationships. 

Passive-Aggressive Communication - an individual shows passive traits but is acting intently from aggression. The individual receives control by manipulation and utilizing non direct communication. Example of passive aggressive communication: the silent treatment. 

Assertive Communication - the healthiest form of communication is assertiveness, which is when an individual engages in direct, honest communication that respects themselves and others around them. Other traits shown are the ability to listen to others without disruption and make good eye contact. Example of assertive communication: “When you leave the dishes on the table, I feel frustrated because I don’t like to have a mess to clean up after a long work day.”

Do you feel like your communication is impacting your health, ability to handle conflict when it arises, and/or the relationships around you? Call us at 859.338.0466 to schedule an appointment with one of our providers. Our current offices are located in Lexington, Frankfort, and Richmond, KY. Here, at the Offices of Paul Dalton - Lexington Counseling and Psychiatry, we have been trusted mental health professionals in Central Kentucky for over 22 years! 

Supporting Articles:

https://umatter.princeton.edu/respect/tools/communication-styles

https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/8-ways-you-can-improve-your-communication-skills/

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/communication-styles/