Communication Essay

1120 Words5 Pages
In communication, we are constantly talking to one another. However, what we want to disclose about ourselves in order to get to know another person, is all part of the Communication Privacy Management Theory (CPM), which is based on the research of Sandra Petronio. Through this paper, we will examine the CPM theory (Communication Privacy Theory) and the history of it. Communication Privacy Management theory is about disclosures and how it is applied in relationships. In any type of relationship, managing private and public boundaries are required (West, 2010). The three assumptions of CPM are that humans are choice makers, humans are rule makers and rule followers. Lastly, human choices and rules are based on a consideration of others, as well as the self. To add onto these assumptions, there are the dialectic theory of CPM theory, in which relational life is characterized by change and contradiction is the fundamental fact of relational life. All these assumptions suggest that “if we disclosed everything, we wouldn’t have a concept of privacy” (West, 2010). As well, as if we kept everything private, which is why we have to find a balance to both. The CPM theory, started 20 years ago, when Petronio and her colleagues publish a few principles, outlining what would become of the CPM. “They noted that men and women have different criteria lead to differing rules for men and women on the subject of disclosure” (West, 2010). This concept of gender differences was mostly focused on the aspects of marital dyads, when Petronio first started her research, it was seen as a microtheory. But now, it is seen as a macrotheory because Petronio says that it includes “a large variety of interpersonal relationships, including groups and organizations” (West, 2010). As more research was being put into the CPM theory, this lead to more changes. The second change
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