9.1 Methods of communication
9.1.1 Intrapersonal communication
Intrapersonal communication takes place within a single person. It is usually considered that there are three aspects of intrapersonal communication, self-awareness, perception and expectation. Self-awareness is the part of intrapersonal communication that determines how a person sees him or herself — and how they are oriented toward others. Self-awareness involves three factors: beliefs, values and attitudes. Perception is about creating an understanding of both oneself and one’s world — and being aware that one’s perceptions of the outside world are also rooted in beliefs, values and attitudes. Expectations are future-oriented messages dealing with long-term roles, sometimes called ‘life scripts’. Intrapersonal communication is used for clarifying ideas or analysing a situation and also reflecting on or appreciating something.
Ms Genet is a Health Extension Practitioner who has a plan to communicate with people living with HIV/AIDS in a village called Bossa Kito. Why will self-awareness be important?
Self-awareness will be important; because health workers who provide health education must continuously engage in a process of self-exploration. They should be aware of themselves, how others affect them, and the effect they have on others.
Self-awareness is a life skill that is practiced — and then applied to overcome the day-to-day challenges of life in a more positive and effective way. Self-awareness also affects one’s view of oneself in the context of either being HIV-infected or not being HIV-infected. To be effective a Health Extension Practitioner needs to know how they themselves function emotionally. Just like the people they see on a daily basis, Health Extension Practitioners must face their own inner feelings about HIV/AIDS.
Learning Outcomes for Study Session 9