What is the Difference Between Interpersonal and Intrapersonal

The main difference between interpersonal and intrapersonal is that interpersonal happens between two or more people whereas intrapersonal happens within one’s own inner self. Thus, intrapersonal is also known as self-communication.

Interpersonal and intrapersonal are two terms that often refers to communication. Thus, these two are major ways of communication or sharing information with one another or within one’s own self. Even though they are two very distinct terms, some people use it incorrectly thinking that these are similar.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Interpersonal
     – Definition, Communication, Elements
2. What is Intrapersonal
     – Definition, Communication, Nature
3. What are the Similarities Between Interpersonal and Intrapersonal
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Interpersonal and Intrapersonal
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Communication, Speaking, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Sociology

What is Interpersonal

Interpersonal refers to something happening between two or more people. It can describe actions, communication or even a certain kind of a relationship. Thus, this is something existing or happening between people. Moreover, there are two distinct parties involved in this type of circumstance. In general, there are four main elements engaging in interpersonal communication: sender, message, medium, and receiver. In addition, there is also feedback.   

Consequently, there is healthy feedback that can influence the amelioration of the communication, action or relationship between the two parties. This communication can happen either in verbal or non-verbal means.

Moreover, someone who is good at interpersonal communication and skills can improve their social as well as professional standards in life. They are good at engaging and maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships with others. Good interpersonal communication skills are essential aspects of a good leader as well.

What is Intrapersonal

Intrapersonal refers to communication occurring in an individual mind or self. In other words, this is the internal discourse of a person. Hence, the parties involved are only the individual’s mind, to be more specific, the three layers of the individual’s mind: id, ego and superego.

Everyone engages in intrapersonal communication almost every day in their lives. There are varied reasons for intrapersonal communication: observing something, doing a critical analysis of something, contemplating the choices we make in our lives, etc.

Furthermore, three main concepts, i.e., individual’s self-concept, perception and expectations, directly influence someone’s intrapersonal communication. 

Moreover, someone who is good at intrapersonal communication and actions such as intrapersonal skill developments will eventually develop a good self-concept about his/her self. They will also develop a good idea about their own personality and identity.

Similarities Between Interpersonal and Intrapersonal

• Both are most often related to communication or other related concepts.
• Interpersonal and intrapersonal involves one or more individual.

Difference Between Interpersonal and Intrapersonal

Definition

Interpersonal refers to something involving relations between persons. On the other hand, intrapersonal refers to something occurring within the individual mind or self. Hence, this is the main difference between interpersonal and intrapersonal.

Parties Involved

There are two or more parties involved in an interpersonal action or communication whereas there are no external parties involved in intrapersonal communication or action. In the latter, the individual’s mind will be the only party involved. Therefore, this is another difference between interpersonal and intrapersonal.

Reasons

There are varied reasons for people to engage in interpersonal communications or actions while an individual may engage in intrapersonal communication often to do some critical analysis by his/her self-own or even as a response o loneliness or solitude. Moreover, someone who engages in intrapersonal communication often might have more imaginative skills. Thus, this is yet another difference between interpersonal and intrapersonal.

Feedback

Moreover, there is feedback from the parties involved in interpersonal communication; therefore, several varied ideas and comments overlap and also contribute to the improvement of the final result. There is only individual feedback in intrapersonal communication; hence, only individual ideologies and ideas that influence the final result.

Conclusion

Interpersonal and intrapersonal are two terms which sometimes appear similar to most people. However, these two are distinct concepts, and there is a distinguishable difference between interpersonal and intrapersonal. The main difference between interpersonal and intrapersonal is that interpersonal happens between two or more people whereas intrapersonal happens within one’s own inner self.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Interpersonal Communication” By Bovee and Thill (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
2. “Thinking RFID” By Jacob Bøtter (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr