Interpersonal Communication; *Physiology;

A definition of intrapersonal communication is needed that will encompass noncognitive elements and thus allow for a broader range of research methodologies. One possible definition is the physiological and psychological decoding, processing, storing, and encoding of messages that happen within individuals at conscious and nonconscious levels whenever they communicate with themselves or others for the purposes of defining, maintaining, or developing their social, psychological, or physical selves. Such a definition differs from other conceptualizations in several ways. First, it considers both physiological and psychological processes. Second, it includes conscious and nonconscious communication processes. Third, it specifies functions that frame the intrapersonal domain. Finally, it extends the situations in which intrapersonal communication can be, considered by focusing on the functions of intrapersonal communication rather than on situations in which people find themselves. Broadening the definitional boundaries of intrapersonal communication to include physiological processes can give impetus to new research techniques and allow for additional insights into how and why various communication processes function. (HOD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document