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Keys to Healthy Communication: Authenticity, Empathy and Empowerment
Keys to Healthy Communication is written strategically to improved personal physical and mental health, to foster healthier relationships and to develop a better understanding of how to build and participate in a healthier society. Contemporary issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are used to illustrate negative and positive results of communication actions. It is possible to be authentic, empathic, and empowered in our actions and our interactions. It is possible to be mindful of our potentially harmful responses and rewire our brains to ultimately control them. It is possible to be healthier than we are. And this book opens doors to better health.
The human brain is the central organ that affects and is affected by states of health. We follow the evolution of the human brain with particular attention to the fight/flight/freeze reaction. Due to the automatic survival system built into our brains, the ability to communicate in healthy ways diminishes when we feel threatened or stressed. So, when our survival instincts take over, we citizens of the 21st century are each capable of reacting as Neanderthals. Neuroscientific discoveries provide the basis for understanding and controlling harmful responses.
The absence of authenticity harms all facets of our lives. For the individual, a lack of self-awareness leads to many psychological and emotional problems. Authenticity demands that we be realistic, neither naively hopeful nor overly self-critical. Fear of people seeing the “real me” can cause me to “just put on an act,” pretending to be someone at odds with my true inner feelings or beliefs. Relationships develop according to the degree of authenticity reciprocated between parties. Inauthenticity leads to manipulation, game-playing, deception, disappointments, and even abuse. Appropriate self-disclosure is a sign of good mental health, and results in greater competency, adaptability and trust.
Deceptions, scams, and untruths have led to a decline of trust in our society. Our perception of reality has been victimized, and trust diminished. Different versions of “reality” result in allegations of “fake news” and distort how people see the world and respond to it. Trust is necessary for our democracy to function and the world as we know it to survive.
Empathy is the act of understanding thoughts and feelings of another individual. The empathic response allows the needs of both communicators to be met. Physical and mental health are related to the presence and use of empathy. Empathy is a necessary component of a healthy relationship. For a healthy society, the use of empathy includes taking on the experiences of people and cultures with whom we don’t necessarily find identity or agreement. Such understanding increases the likelihood of better decision making.
Empowerment involves accepting and utilizing our own inherent power in all situations. This means questioning self-imposed limits, refusing to identify external forces as the determiner of actions, and exercising our abilities to self-regulate. It is possible to help others recognize their own power in controlling their own lives. Each of us is responsible for controlling our own behaviors and destinies. This book provides exercises and practices that promote opportunities to develop healthy communication utilizing all 3 keys (authenticity, empathy, empowerment) and at 3 different levels (personal, relational, societal.)
The human brain is the central organ that affects and is affected by states of health. We follow the evolution of the human brain with particular attention to the fight/flight/freeze reaction. Due to the automatic survival system built into our brains, the ability to communicate in healthy ways diminishes when we feel threatened or stressed. So, when our survival instincts take over, we citizens of the 21st century are each capable of reacting as Neanderthals. Neuroscientific discoveries provide the basis for understanding and controlling harmful responses.
The absence of authenticity harms all facets of our lives. For the individual, a lack of self-awareness leads to many psychological and emotional problems. Authenticity demands that we be realistic, neither naively hopeful nor overly self-critical. Fear of people seeing the “real me” can cause me to “just put on an act,” pretending to be someone at odds with my true inner feelings or beliefs. Relationships develop according to the degree of authenticity reciprocated between parties. Inauthenticity leads to manipulation, game-playing, deception, disappointments, and even abuse. Appropriate self-disclosure is a sign of good mental health, and results in greater competency, adaptability and trust.
Deceptions, scams, and untruths have led to a decline of trust in our society. Our perception of reality has been victimized, and trust diminished. Different versions of “reality” result in allegations of “fake news” and distort how people see the world and respond to it. Trust is necessary for our democracy to function and the world as we know it to survive.
Empathy is the act of understanding thoughts and feelings of another individual. The empathic response allows the needs of both communicators to be met. Physical and mental health are related to the presence and use of empathy. Empathy is a necessary component of a healthy relationship. For a healthy society, the use of empathy includes taking on the experiences of people and cultures with whom we don’t necessarily find identity or agreement. Such understanding increases the likelihood of better decision making.
Empowerment involves accepting and utilizing our own inherent power in all situations. This means questioning self-imposed limits, refusing to identify external forces as the determiner of actions, and exercising our abilities to self-regulate. It is possible to help others recognize their own power in controlling their own lives. Each of us is responsible for controlling our own behaviors and destinies. This book provides exercises and practices that promote opportunities to develop healthy communication utilizing all 3 keys (authenticity, empathy, empowerment) and at 3 different levels (personal, relational, societal.)
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2022
13 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Bobby R. Patton
2 books2 followersBobby R. Patton, PhD. is a retired university administrator and Communication Studies Professor (University of Kansas, California State University—Los Angeles, Wichita State University and University of Central Missouri). He co-authored fourteen university textbooks including the first undergraduate text in interpersonal communication (Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication, Harper and Row, 1971) and gender communication (Living Together: Female-Male Communication, Charles E. Merrill, 1976). He is the recipient of numerous national and regional awards, and the Broadcasting Center at the University of Central Missouri where he was President (1999-2005) bears his name.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 4, 2024
"Keys to Healthy Communication: Authenticity, Empathy, and Empowerment," authored by Bobby Patton, Rusalyn Andrews, and Jennifer Daily, offers valuable insights into enhancing health and well-being through effective communication.
The authors highlight the significant impact of different communication styles on our lives, emphasizing that while some interactions can be uplifting, others can be detrimental. They align with the World Health Organization's definition of health, which encompasses complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.
Readers will gain a deeper understanding of authenticity, empathy, and empowerment through this book. The authors stress the importance of being mindful of our words and ensuring our responses are constructive, as once spoken, words cannot be retracted.
This book is a compelling and thought-provoking read. The "Just Between Us" section, in particular, enhances self-awareness. Highly recommended for leaders, this book provides crucial lessons for effective leadership. I wish I had discovered it earlier in my leadership journey, as it would have helped me manage my emotions and words better. Nonetheless, I have learned immensely and feel more prepared to lead again. I am deeply grateful to the authors for this enlightening work.
The authors highlight the significant impact of different communication styles on our lives, emphasizing that while some interactions can be uplifting, others can be detrimental. They align with the World Health Organization's definition of health, which encompasses complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.
Readers will gain a deeper understanding of authenticity, empathy, and empowerment through this book. The authors stress the importance of being mindful of our words and ensuring our responses are constructive, as once spoken, words cannot be retracted.
This book is a compelling and thought-provoking read. The "Just Between Us" section, in particular, enhances self-awareness. Highly recommended for leaders, this book provides crucial lessons for effective leadership. I wish I had discovered it earlier in my leadership journey, as it would have helped me manage my emotions and words better. Nonetheless, I have learned immensely and feel more prepared to lead again. I am deeply grateful to the authors for this enlightening work.
June 4, 2024
I enjoy reading non-fiction, and I recently delved into "Keys to Healthy Communication." This book explores three fundamental principles: Authenticity, Empathy, and Empowerment. The authors illustrate their points using the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on our physical and mental health.
The book offers valuable insights into practicing effective communication. It emphasizes cognitive tools that can aid in developing healthy communication habits. My favorite chapter, "A Lifelong Plan for Healthy Communication," has provided me with practical strategies that I've already begun applying within my family. The authors highlight how open communication between partners fosters mutual exploration and growth.
This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to enhance their life through better communication. The authors' writing is accessible and engaging, making complex concepts easy to grasp. Many overlook the importance of how they communicate and its impact on their health, but this book serves as a crucial reminder. I eagerly anticipate exploring more works by these insightful authors.
The book offers valuable insights into practicing effective communication. It emphasizes cognitive tools that can aid in developing healthy communication habits. My favorite chapter, "A Lifelong Plan for Healthy Communication," has provided me with practical strategies that I've already begun applying within my family. The authors highlight how open communication between partners fosters mutual exploration and growth.
This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to enhance their life through better communication. The authors' writing is accessible and engaging, making complex concepts easy to grasp. Many overlook the importance of how they communicate and its impact on their health, but this book serves as a crucial reminder. I eagerly anticipate exploring more works by these insightful authors.
June 5, 2024
I enjoy reading books that promote a healthier lifestyle. The author focuses on three main principles: Authenticity, Empathy, and Empowerment. They explain that healthy communication supports well-being, while unhealthy communication can harm it.
The authors offer guidance on developing healthy communication skills and emphasize how our lifestyle choices affect our health. This book provides excellent advice on enhancing both our communication and our overall health. It encourages us to care for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Healthy communication is portrayed as essential for fostering a healthier society.
This book serves as a call to action for everyone. The cover is attractively designed, and the pacing is well-balanced. I've taken numerous notes in my journal while reading. I appreciate the authors' inclusion of reflection exercises, which help us become more self-aware and identify areas for improvement. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
The authors offer guidance on developing healthy communication skills and emphasize how our lifestyle choices affect our health. This book provides excellent advice on enhancing both our communication and our overall health. It encourages us to care for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Healthy communication is portrayed as essential for fostering a healthier society.
This book serves as a call to action for everyone. The cover is attractively designed, and the pacing is well-balanced. I've taken numerous notes in my journal while reading. I appreciate the authors' inclusion of reflection exercises, which help us become more self-aware and identify areas for improvement. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews