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Article Evaluation

In evaluating Knapp's Relational Development Model, there was already a note calling for more articles to support the text as of November 2014. Overall the article seemed to demonstrate the stages of relational development in an apporopriate manner. Some more thought could have been given to a number of sections that seem to be glossed over in compararison to others. The sources need to be updated, upon providing more insight to the thinner sections, the sources could be replaced. There was one edit so far, this person updated the "Dissolution of a Relationship" section. This topic provided a great source for defining the nature of a relationship for class. Will work to try and get it updated.

Problematic-Integration Theory

Lead

Probelmatic-Integration (PI) Theory is a relational communication theory with a two-factor division on the way an individual processes a given situation by associating it with their own experiences. The person uses probabilistic and evaluative orientations in order to come to a decision about how to handle interaction. A probabilistic orientation is how one would measure the likelihhod of their association with what they have experienced before similar to the situation at hand. For example, how certain one would be that an outfit in the store would look when put on in relation to other clothes that were in that style and size. Evaluative orientations occur at the same time and measure the association itself. Going back to the example of the outfit, grading how one looks overall once the outfit is tried on. When combining these two factors, integration occurs, but depending on the probabilistic or evaluative orientation not matching the other it can become problematic. So if the outfit in question looks good in a person's head, but not so good once the outfit is on, this is PI. This happens due to the amount and quality of information needed to be confident not being achieved, a person's belief system is compromised, or the result they seek is impossible.

Background

PI was developed by Austin Babrow, a professor of communication, at Ohio University in 1992. The theory was developed using studies in communication, sociopsychological, and sociocultural theories including: uncertainty reduction theory; the analysis of desicion making, and cognitive dissonance. PI acknolwdges the factors that contribute to uncertainty, but in turn chooses to measure it in the decision making process not focused on the desicion itself. This is how it differs from uncertainty reduction theory. PI solely focuses on the process by which a decision is made looking at the situation from the two orientations and recognizing why PI happened.

Elements of PI

Problematic-Integration Theory proposes that: people make decisions by forming probabilistic and evaluative orientations; these orientations are interdependent; these orientations are formed by our interactions and experiences and thereby reaffirmed by new ones; and lastly, this integration can become problematic. Probabilistic orientations measure likelihood, while evaluative appraise how favorable an outcome is. Higher problematic integration results in higher displeasure. PI can happen in 4 different ways: divergence, ambiguity, ambivalence, and impossibility. Communication is one way that PI can be alleviated by talking out the causes of PI with one's community.

Probabilistic Orientation

Probabilistic Orientation (PO) is highlighted by divergence and ambiguity, in that divergence is what happens when what someone wants to be true does not line up with the likely reality of their situation. PI in this format happens when someone has made up their mind that they want a particular outfit because of how they think it will look on them, while at the same time believing that it won't in fact fit them once they put it on. Ambiguity is when the likelihood of an outcome is uncertain. Babrow stated, that “in ambiguous situations, neither the outcome, nor the probability of the outcome is known, though the latter has restrictions” (1992, p. 112). In the case of the outfit, that person may develop PI due to the fact that despite any other factors; trying it on, looking at the mannequin, they still do not know exactly how it will look once they buy it and walk out the store. Will they still love it once they get home?

Evaluative Orientation

Ambivalence and impossibility comprie the elements that make up the Evaluative Orientation (EO). Ambivalence happens when a person assesses a situation and finds themselves choosing between two outcomes that are similar or are mutually exclusive. This association in the form of the outfit example happens when a person is deciding which size of the outfit will be best or which color in one size best compliments them. In both cases, they get an outfit but the evaluation that occurs leads to ambivalence. Impossibility finds it self in the real of PO, but if an accurate evaluation is impossible then PI will be present. One might find the outfit to just be too difficult to decide upon in spite of how bad they may want it or the price is beyond what they are comfortable paying making it impossible to buy.

Communication

Communication works to help with PI. Communication with others can lead to discussions, or just further knowlege, about the task at hand and help make a decision more or less favorable based on their experiences. More information tends to lower how problematic that integration can become. Communication leads towards uncertainty reduction theory, by way of alleviating PI by talking with one's community to reach a decision.

Application

PI is currently being used in the health care field to address the communication barriers between health providers, their patients, and their requisite support system. Due to the nature of diagnosing and proposing treatment options, the best decision is being chosen by a group of individuals and the integration is dependent upon their ability to communicate effectively. Research has suggested that the sharing of information can increase or decrease uncertainty. For example, a patient may want more information so that they can reduce their uncertainty levels and be firm that the outcome is the best for them. On the other hand, higher uncertainty or ambiguity may result in optimism about their situation. PI serves as a way for doctors and health providers to proactively work to eliminate the anxiety or uncertainty a patient might feel given their prognosis.

Critique

• Is measuring Problematic Integration a good way to explain decision making?
• How does this theory relate to Uncertainty Reduction?
• Is PI useful as a means to identify stressors that cause anxiety and uncertainty?

References

Babrow, Austin S. (1992). Communication and problematic integration: Understanding and diverging probability and value, ambiguity, ambivalence, and impossibility. Communication Theory, 2(2), 95-130.

Bradac, J. J. (2001). Theory comparison: uncertainty reduction, problematic integration, uncertainty management, and other curious constructs. Journal of Communication, (3), 456.

Dennis, M. R., Kunkel, A., & Keyton, J. (2008). Problematic integration theory, appraisal theory, and the bosom buddies breast cancer support group. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 36(4), 415–436.

Littlejohn, S. W., & Foss, K.A. (2011). Theories of human communication (10th edition). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press.

Matthias, M. S., & Babrow, A. S. (2015). Generally Unseen Challenges in Uncertainty Management: An Application of Problematic Integration Theory. In Uncertainty, Information Management, and Disclosure Decisions (pp. 25-41). Routledge.

Problematic integration theory

Rafferty, K. A., Cramer, E. M., & Priddis, D. (2016). Managing end-of-life uncertainty: applying problematic integration theory to spousal communication about death and dying. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, 33(1), 69-76.