Uncertainty Reduction Theory Of Health Communication

Uncertainty Reduction Theory in Health Communication Interpersonal communication comprises a basic element of healthcare service. It occurs through the processes of symbolic interaction, social penetration, and uncertainty reduction between two or more individuals. In medical practice, these fundamental components intertwine toward meeting a patient’s physical, psychological, and social needs. Thus, effective utilization of communication theories can dramatically improve quality of patient-care services and potentially reduce costs in healthcare and insurance. This paper explores one of theories in interpersonal communication — Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) — and seeks ways to apply URT for the advancement of health communication. All human relationships pose communication challenges. Attempting to resolve the key cognitive and behavioral obstacles with initial encounters, Professor Charles Burger and a colleague, Richard Calabrese, founded URT in 1975. The theory’s key principle posits that â€Å"†¦during initial interactions, our lack of knowledge about another person causes us to be uneasy or uncomfortable†¦therefore†¦[we seek] to find ways to reduce†¦uncertainty [and increase predictability].† Burger proposes three phases to articulate the URT hypothesis: Initial, Personal, and Exit in the expansion of interpersonal interaction. During the Initial phase, the interactants share very limited information, regulated strictly by social norms. The Personal Phase, the secondShow MoreRelatedAnalysis of the Uncertainty Reduction Theory on Interpersonal Communication1521 Words   |  7 PagesAnalysis of the Uncertainty Reduction theory on interpersonal communication Through this paper I will conduct an analysis of the uncertainty reduction theory and will then apply it to my own experience here in Colorado university. This theory has been subject to many articles and studies in the communication and social departments. 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