Building on the Research of Buber and Laing, Communication Scholars

question 10

Essay

Building on the research of Buber and Laing, communication scholars have identified three levels of communication that (dis)confirm others. Distinguish among the three levels by providing a definition and an example of a disconfirming and confirming statement for each level. For extra credit, explain why Buber felt confirmation is so important to our interpersonal lives.

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Definitions:

Authoritarian

A style of leadership or governance characterized by strict obedience to authority, often at the expense of personal freedom.

Erikson

Erik Erikson was a developmental psychologist best known for his theory of psychosocial development, which outlines eight stages throughout the human lifespan.

Middle-aged

A life stage typically defined as being between the ages of about 45 to 65, marking a period of transition in physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development.

Intimacy

The feeling of being emotionally close and connected with someone, often involving trust and personal knowledge.