Abstract
M.A.
This dissertation comprises an exploratory study of the role and functions of
communication during growth and transcendence cycles of the unique
individual. It moreover explores how the quintessence of the individual, the
self, manages and transforms itself, through the use of communication. The
exploration focuses on the subjective, inner reality of humanity.
The inner, subjective reality of humanity relates to different states and levels
of consciousness and corresponding levels of self-awareness. Since an
exploration of the nature of the self and its possible confluence with states
and levels of consciousness necessitates a multidisciplinary approach,
theories and constructs in Psychology, the New Physics (Quantum Physics),
Mysticism, and Philosophy are explored and integrated with contemporary,
communication notions of the self and consciousness. Integration and
inclusiveness consequently form the bedrock of this study.
The intrapersonal and transpersonal levels of communication are considered
as the derivatives of a subjective, inner reality. The exploration and
comprehension of an inner reality are considered to be of prime significance
to the management, development, transformation and transcendence of the
self: the individual as a unique multifarious being. A pilot study of selfawareness
through self-reports indicates that a transcendental spirituality,
and consequently an inner, subjective transcendental reality is imminent in
every individual. An intrinsic need for equanimity and unity is hence
considered as the birthright of every individual and not the exclusive legacy of
sages and mystics.
The assertion that humanity shares an innate spiritual nature allows the
integration of the constructs of the self and levels and states of
consciousness, ensuing from the exploration in this study, in a more
representative and inclusive model and theory of the self in communication.
The relationship between the self, consciousness, and intrapersonal and
transpersonal communication is depicted and described in terms of an
experiential multidimensional model of intrapsychic communication. This
helps to address the exclusion of humanity's archetypal spiritual need to
actualise its ultimate and essential being that is not represented hi
contemporary communication theory.
It is proposed that the term intrapsychic communication be used to represent
the total spectrum of communication within the Self. The upper case 'S' in
'Self represents humanity's essential being. This facilitates the incorporation
of the spiritual component of the Self into the current dualistic and
mechanistic representation of the self in communication theory. The worth of
intrapsychic communication, which comprises prepersonal, intrapersonal,
transcendental and transpersonal communication, lies in its facilitation of
awareness, comprehension, integration and transcendence of an imprisoned
and deprived ego-self.
Intrapsychic communication consequently represents all the levels of
communication within the Self with its corresponding levels of consciousness.
Intrapersonal communication facilitates both awareness and integration of
the inner subjective reality, and the external sociocultural reality of the ego
which is at the core of the Self. Transcendental communication provides the
'crosswalk' or 'crosstalk' between levels of the Self. This is represented as the
'fusion' between the different symbol structures of the different levels of
consciousness. Transpersonal communication is the integration, expansion
and unification of the Self through archetypal symbol structures. Prepersonal
communication refers to the primitive roots of awareness.
This model indicates that consciousness cannot be experienced as a distinct
experience. Rather, intrapsychic communication facilitates a sense and
experience of Self by an individual in different levels of consciousness
because of the change of symbol structures, and content and focus of
information. Differences of levels in the Self are hence experienced through
different forms and levels of communication which facilitate a change in
content and focus in consciousness.
The inclusion of the archetypal spiritual dimension of the Self, and the
indication of an intrinsic need for wholeness, unity and transcendence in
intrapsychic communication, dignifies humanity. The possible realisation
through intraspychic communication that 'All is One' indicates that such a
shared heritage, which is illustrated in the model and which cuts across all
cultural and racial boundaries, is needed to address global disharmony and
antagonism. The study likewise concomitantly asserts the improvement of
interpersonal communication through the fulfilment of humanity's quest for
the management, development, transformation and transcendence of its Self.
Since the study is of an exploratory nature, and the model of intrapsychic
communication is an experiential one, suggestions for further study and
research are also made.