Expectancy Violation Theory: Understanding Nonverbal Behavior and Interpersonal Communication
Overview
This essay examines Expectancy Violation Theory (EVT) and its role in explaining how violations of nonverbal behaviors impact interpersonal communication outcomes such as credibility, attraction, and persuasion. The paper discusses how EVT was formulated around proxemics violations and how positive versus negative violations produce different communicative results. It argues that expectations guided by social norms significantly influence human interactions and behavioral responses.
What this essay covers
- Introduction to Expectancy Violation Theory and its significance in nonverbal communication
- Historical development of EVT by Burgoon and application to proxemics and social norms
- Discussion of positive versus negative violations and their impact on communication patterns and reward valence
Preview
Expectancy Violation Theory
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Expectancy Violation Theory
Expectancy violations theory mainly explains and predicts the impacts of nonverbal behavior or traits violations portrayed mostly on interpersonal communication results like credibility, smooth interactions, persuasion, and attraction. It is one of the important theories in understanding nonverbal behaviors and attitudes. Notably, positive violations are perceived to predict more favorable outcomes, while negative ones bring about less favorable results or outcomes. In this case, human interactions are more strongly administered by some expectations. By any chance they are violated, they may arouse and trigger an appraisal process. In this case, the essay highlights how Expectancy Violation Theory and the significance of this theory at the interpersonal level, including interactions.
Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) was initially formulated for the communicative impacts of proxemics violation, which occurs during group and interpersonal interaction. Burgoon (2015), one of the ancient anthropologists, designated that proxemics is typically one of the dimensions of the cultures that are hidden and used universally. EVT has assisted a lot in reconciling all those conflicting views or opinions of proxemics connected to human interactions. Some factors, such as social norms, contribute a lot to solving issues arising from interactions. Other factors include expectations that humans have or expect, which mainly is connected to social norms. For instance, I find it more comfortable sharing what I am going through with someone of my gender or age than with those of the older, opposite sex, or different culture.