Introduction
Interpersonal refers to actions or relationships that exist or take place between two or more people. On the other hand, intrapersonal refers to the actions, relationships, or things that take place exclusively within an individual. It would be important to note that, inter is a prefix that means between, while intra is a prefix that means within.
This essay examines the differences between interpersonal and intrapersonal.
Differences
In schools for instance, there are times when there are intramural sports; this simply means that these sports are held within the walls of the school and there are no external schools invited to take part. Intramural sports are those ones that are played against teams that are from the school. On the other hand, intermodal sports are those ones that are played against those teams from outside. Professional counselors have got different approach or perspective when it comes to interpersonal approach, they have to identify and understand why a particular situation or issue is happening in the framework. It also entails developing a quite positive relationship and at the same time removing the bad or unhealthier ones. For instance, if an individual is a counselor dealing with a couple that is going through a divorce, interpersonal approach would entail understanding the relationship that exist between the wife and husband and at the same time focusing on the social roles. It entails listening for the both sides and assists the relationship from collapsing.
Intrapersonal and interpersonal issues also differ in terms of communication. For instance, intrapersonal communication is the type of communication that takes place within an individual. A person uses this kind of communication for different purposes like clarifying concepts, analyzing situations and also for reflecting on a given phenomena. There are three elements that control intrapersonal communication and they include perception, self-concept and expectation. A person can employ certain tactics to communicate within him or herself and to be specific, these are internal discourse where, concentration, analyzing and thinking take place. Intrapersonal communication also entails solo vocal communication that consist of speaking out loudly to oneself and also solo written communication which, includes writing a note for others.
Interpersonal communication on the other hand is the kind of communication which occurs where two or more people are involved in a conversation. There are so many reasons that could lead to communication between different people that include for explanation, for teaching, to inquire and also to inform. There are different channels for interpersonal communication that are made up of five main elements; messenger, sender, message, receiver and medium. It is important to note that there are two forms of interpersonal communication which include verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication is where the message is passed through the word of mouth, while non-verbal communication can be done through letters, signs, notes, e-mails, text messages, and/ or through memos.
Moreover, with interpersonal skills, a person is supposed to listen and communicate. In counseling profession, the advantage of interpersonal approach when it comes to divorcing couples is that there is an enhanced problem solving skills. The disadvantage with interpersonal communication is that when something bad comes out of the mouth it cannot be taken back. And also there are chances that interpersonal communication could lead to conflicts and violence. On the other hand, intrapersonal approach towards counseling is that is self-awareness, self-confidence and self-management. Intrapersonal communication has got also its disadvantages and they include misconceptions, incorrect decisions, over thinking, and at times could be stressful. Generally, both intrapersonal and interpersonal communications have got their advantages and disadvantages.
