SESSION OBJECTIVES

• Described the definition of communication and interpersonal communication;

• Describe factors affecting behavioral change;
• Described barriers in communication and overcoming the barriers.
• Identified steps to behavior change in family planning.
DEFINITIONS
Communication:
A process of transmitting and receiving information on a particular topic between two or
more people that share the same code (verbal and non-verbal) aimed at reaching a mutual
understanding.

Behavior change communication (BCC) is an interactive process of any intervention

with individuals, communities and/or societies (as integrated with an overall program) to
develop communication strategies to promote positive behaviors which are appropriate to
their settings.
Interpersonal Communication:
▪ A process by which people, face to face, exchange information, feeling, and meaning
through verbal and non-verbal messages.
▪ It not just about what is actually said – the language used – but how it is said and the
non-verbal messages sent through tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures and body
language.
WHAT FACTORS THAT CAUSE PEOPLE TO CHANGE
BEHAVIOR?
• Physical stimuli – based on person’s current physical state, fear of the future
pain, discomfort, or memory of past pain;
• Rational stimuli – based on knowledge and reasoning;
• Emotional stimuli – based on intensity of feelings of fear, love or hope;
• Skills – based on the person’s capacity to adopt and continue practicing a new
behavior;
• Family and personal networks – based on the influence from family and peers;
• Social structures – based on impact of social, economic, legal and technological
factors on the daily life of a person.
BARRIERS IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
1. Physical barrier
▪ When a physical object turns into barrier such as door, glass, partitions, distance,
noice;
▪ Example : Existing environment such door, glass, partition, whether condition;
Distance: could not listen clearly.
▪ Overcoming the physical barriers: Be closer, email, etc.

2. Perceptual barrier
▪ They may not actually exist in physical form, but the barriers do exist in the mind of
the person perceiving a situation.
▪ Examples : perceptual filters – seeing things through the lens of our own unique
experience – may lead to assumption, stereotyping and misunderstanding of others.
▪ Overcoming perceptual barriers: Be aware of non-verbal behaviour, be sensitive on
how they may be perceived.
BARRIERS IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

3. Emotional barrier
▪ It occurs when a person is not able to communicate effectively, because the
effectiveness communication is hindered by his/her emotion.
▪ Examples : Anger – limited the ability to accept; pride – the need to be right at
all times; anxiousness – constant worries can hinder the ability to concentrate.
▪ Overcoming emotional barriers: Removing yourself from communication;
accepting imperfections; relaxation exercises.
BARRIERS IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

4. Cultural barrier
▪ When cultural differences hinders a communication and makes it ineffective.
▪ Examples: Generational; status and resistance; confrontation: maintain good
relationships;
▪ Overcoming cultural barriers: Learn about the culture (some people likes
confrontation),
5. Language barrier
• When difference of language becomes the barrier and communication is
distorted.
• Examples: Dialect, language disabilities;
• Overcoming language barriers: translation, use of interpreters, use visual
methods of communication, use repetition, use simple words.
BARRIERS IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION

6. Gender barrier
▪ It occurs when communication is ineffective between two genders.
▪ Examples : Gender stereotype; men and women to behave; women talk about
other people; men talk about tangible things like business, sports, foods etc.
women focus on feeling; women talk to women when problem arise, men are
often dealt with the problem internally.
▪ Overcoming Gender Barriers: Avoid gender bias, educate gender bias.
BARRIERS IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
7. Interpersonal barriers
What ultimately keep us from reaching out to each other and opening ourselves,
not just to be heard, but to hear others.
Examples:
▪ Lack to desire to participate; unwillingness to explore
Overcoming interpersonal barriers:
▪ Keep it simple and easy to understand;
▪ Listen attentively and proactively;
▪ Keep your composure while talking or negotiating;
▪ Provide constructive criticism.
STEPS IN BEHAVIOR CHANGE
• Knowledge: One first learns about the new behavior:
✓Recall family planning messages
✓Understand what family planning means
✓Can name family planning methods and source of supply.
• Approval : One then approves of the new behavior
✓Response favorably to family planning;
✓Discus family planning with personal network (family and friends);
✓Approves of family planning.
STEPS IN BEHAVIOR CHANGE
• Intention: One then believes the behavior is beneficial to them and intend to
adopt it:
✓Recognize that family planning can meet a personal need
✓Intend to consult a provider
✓Intend to practice family planning at some time.
• Practice: One then practice the new behavior:
✓Goes to a provider for information / supplies / services;
✓Chooses a method and begins family planning use;
✓Continuous family planning use.
• Advocacy: One can then promote the new behavior through their social networks
as a satisfied user:
✓Experiences and acknowledges personal benefits of family planning.