In their theory, Berger and Calabrese sought to help humanity understand how best to manage communication within established as well as new interpersonal relationships. Published in 1975, the major points of Uncertainty Reduction Theory are explained as seven axioms or assumptions describing positive or negative relationships between uncertainty and other elements of communication. The first and second axioms, deal with negative associations between uncertainty and verbal communication and what Berger and Calabrese (1975) termed as “nonverbal affiliative expressiveness” (p. 103). Today, these are called body language cues such as facial expressions, eye gaze, or hand gestures. The third axiom referring to our human curiosity regarding others, states, “High levels of uncertainty cause increases in information seeking behaviors” (Berger, 1975, p. 103). The fifth axiom describes a similar positive association with reciprocity rate (Berger, 1975, p. 105) also known as self-disclosure. The fourth is another negative association: “High levels of uncertainty in a relationship cause decreases in the intimacy level of communication content. Low levels of uncertainty produce high levels of intimacy” (Berger, 1975, p. 103). According to the researchers, “Taken together, Axioms 6 and 7 suggest that uncertainty level mediates between similarity and liking” (Berger, 1975, p. 107).
Uncertainty Reduction Theory simply proposes what researchers observed to be true within new and established human interactions. In other words, as we meet and get to know our fellow humans, we begin more reserved and perhaps even hesitant to share ourselves. However, when we take a chance, we could find commonalities to ease our apprehensions. This could lead to a lifelong friendship or perhaps even a partner with whom one can share one’s life. While it is true that getting to know people may pose a social risk, when done cautiously and measured, one stands much to gain from relationships with others within our species.
References
Berger, C. R., & Calabrese, R. J. (1975). SOME EXPLORATIONS IN INITIAL INTERACTION AND BEYOND: TOWARD A DEVELOPMENTAL THEORY OF INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION. Human Communication Research, 1(2), 99– 112. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.1975.tb00258.x18SEP2021
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