Much of what we know about how we communicate and engage on a daily basis is guided by theory. Theories provide useful and informative frames of reference that help explain different phenomena. Have you ever tried to understand the motivation behind a person’s actions or habits? Or perhaps questioned a technique or approach a professional might use when working with a client? If so, it is more than likely that some type of theory was involved. In this discussion, you will have an opportunity to read about various communication theories and describe them within different contexts.

Read the following communication theories: Constructivism, Attachment (Links to an external site.), Communication Accommodation (Links to an external site.), and Attribution (Links to an external site.).

Initial Post: Reflect on the significance and application of the theories presented and prepare a 300-word minimum post that sufficiently addresses each of the items below:

• Briefly describe each of the communication theories that are presented.
• Describe how two of the communication theories can be applied in a health and human services setting. For example, how can constructivist theory be used to understand people’s views of the world in human services work? How can levels of attachment, as related to the attachment theory, be used by human service professionals to understand client needs?

The initial reply is due no later than Day 3 (Thursday) of the learning week, and at least two substantive replies of at least 100 words to two different peers will be due no later than Day 7 (Monday) of the learning week.

Guided Response: Consider ways in which you might like to interact with your peers. For example, did you learn about the communication theories from the responses of your peers? Please be courteous and adhere to the rules of respectful engagement throughout your replies.