An aspect of one-to-one communication

1. INTERACTION ADAPTATION
THEORY OF INTERPERSONAL
COMMUNICATION
Anum Tanvir, Ayesha Aftab, Iqra Rasool

2. DEFINITION
 According to Burgoon, Stern and Dillman, IAT
takes into account the complexities of
interpersonal interactions in by considering
people’s needs, expectations, desires and goals
as precursors of their degree and form of
adaptation. Interaction Adaptation Theory is
really a communication theory made of
multiple theories. It's a theory that examines
the sender and receiver process and
patterns.

4. BASICS OF INTERACTION
 People enter in any interaction with certain
(R)equirments, (E)xpecations, and (D)esires.
 They make up IPs related to a relationship: how
an interaction will work.
 The basic expression is expressed as IP= R+E+D
 Converging, diverging and mirroring reflect the
non-verbal aspects of communication that reflect
the level of bond between two people.
 It is mostly seen in dyadic pattern of interaction.

5. DYADIC INTERACTIONS
 Our initial behavior in the interaction
consists of combination of verbal and non
verbal behaviors that reflect our interaction
position, environmental factors, and skill
level. However, in most interactions, our
behavior will change- and so will that of your
partner- as you experience mutual influence.
Mutual influence can be considerable and in
most situations can have a far greater effect
than any preplanning you have done.

7. CONCEPT OF ‘RED’
 Requirements mean what a person believes is
necessary at a given point in interaction. R is
most significantly driven by biological needs.
 Expectations refer to what is anticipated in an
interaction. It can be based on social norms and
perceptions, generic communication functions,
past experiences and behavioral knowledge
 Desire is one’s personal goals and preferences for
the interaction. These may be based on
temperament but also get influenced by culture
and norms

12. INTERACTION POSITION
 ‘Interaction Position’ (IP) as defined by
Burgoon, Allspech and Miczo, is a net
assessment of behavioral patterns that are
needed, anticipated and preferred in an
interaction.
 IP is compared to partner’s actual behavior. If
partner A is different than IP, the interaction is
going to be more or less positive.

14. RESPONSES
 If partner A is different from IP and is positively
valanced, people tend to like, imitate and
collaborate with a person. It is called reciprocity.
 If partner A is different and more negatively
valenced, people tend to stay same, maintain
same behavior and exist the resistance to
partner’s behavior. It is called compensation.
 The positivity of a partner is subjective and varies
in contexts.

19. APPLICATIONS