Question

Explain any three psychological barriers to communication.

Hint:

Psychological barriers often stem from internal factors—stay calm and objective during communication to reduce these.

Answer 1

To understand the psychological barriers to communication, we need to explore how mental factors can interfere with the clarity and effectiveness of communication.

1. Emotional Interference:

Emotional interference occurs when strong emotions, such as anger, fear, or excitement, affect the sender's or receiver's ability to process or respond to messages accurately. For example, if a person is upset, they may misinterpret a neutral message as offensive or be too emotional to communicate effectively.

2. Prejudices and Stereotypes:

Prejudices and stereotypes are preconceived notions or biases about certain individuals or groups, which can distort communication. These biases lead to misjudgments and prevent open, unbiased communication. For instance, someone may avoid listening to a person because of their background, appearance, or social status, even before understanding their message.

3. Lack of Attention or Focus:

Lack of attention or focus can hinder effective communication. If a person is distracted or not fully engaged, they may not absorb the message being conveyed, leading to misunderstandings or missed information. This can occur in conversations when individuals are preoccupied with their thoughts, external stimuli, or multitasking.

Final Answer:

The three psychological barriers to communication are emotional interference, prejudices and stereotypes, and lack of attention or focus.