Psychology of Communication
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
In line with the general purposes of the degree program in Communication and Society, this course will offer theoretical and methodological tools to understand the psychosocial mechanisms involved in human communication.
Therefore, the main psychological theories aimed at explaining the major functions of communication, the key parts of the communication process, and the effects of the different modes of communication will be introduced. The interplay of the forces that affect the communication dynamics will be analyzed at interpersonal and group levels. It will be discussed the "communication competency model" and students will have the opportunity to get to know and apply some techniques to develop interpersonal skills involved in this competency.
Therefore, the main psychological theories aimed at explaining the major functions of communication, the key parts of the communication process, and the effects of the different modes of communication will be introduced. The interplay of the forces that affect the communication dynamics will be analyzed at interpersonal and group levels. It will be discussed the "communication competency model" and students will have the opportunity to get to know and apply some techniques to develop interpersonal skills involved in this competency.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Describing the functions and process of communication.
- Contrasting oral, written and nonverbal communication.
- Explaining why and how specific personal, social and organizational factors affect communication in social contexts and at the workplace.
- Identifying common barriers and biases to effective communication at interpersonal and group levels.
- Understanding how to use some techniques to improve interpersonal and social communication (such as, self-disclosure, assertiveness, listening, persuasion, conflict management, group facilitation).
- Analyzing in a critical perspective the dynamics of communication processes in social contexts.
- Describing the functions and process of communication.
- Contrasting oral, written and nonverbal communication.
- Explaining why and how specific personal, social and organizational factors affect communication in social contexts and at the workplace.
- Identifying common barriers and biases to effective communication at interpersonal and group levels.
- Understanding how to use some techniques to improve interpersonal and social communication (such as, self-disclosure, assertiveness, listening, persuasion, conflict management, group facilitation).
- Analyzing in a critical perspective the dynamics of communication processes in social contexts.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
Modules 1 and 2
1. The main psychological models explaining communication.
2. The functions and components of the communication process.
3. Characteristics of verbal and non-verbal communication.
4. Understanding, communicating, and managing emotions in the communication process.
5. The origins of language.
6. Speech and conversation.
7. The characteristics and techniques of persuasive communication.
8. Identifying and strategically managing psychological communication traps.
9. Communication skills: the theory and technique of assertiveness, active listening, feedback management, and objection handling.
10. Miscommunication: irony, deception, seductive communication, and pathological communication.
11. Communication and health promotion.
12. Risk and hazard communication.
13. Cognitive biases and thinking heuristics. Fake news.
Module 3
14. Communication and conflict dynamics: types of conflict; de-escalation communication strategies; negotiation strategies.
15. Communication in work groups: interactive processes and dynamics; differences between face-to-face and virtual teams.
16. Leadership styles.
17. Success factors and threats to the effective functioning of work groups. Between Face-to-Face and Virtual Groups.
1. The main psychological models explaining communication.
2. The functions and components of the communication process.
3. Characteristics of verbal and non-verbal communication.
4. Understanding, communicating, and managing emotions in the communication process.
5. The origins of language.
6. Speech and conversation.
7. The characteristics and techniques of persuasive communication.
8. Identifying and strategically managing psychological communication traps.
9. Communication skills: the theory and technique of assertiveness, active listening, feedback management, and objection handling.
10. Miscommunication: irony, deception, seductive communication, and pathological communication.
11. Communication and health promotion.
12. Risk and hazard communication.
13. Cognitive biases and thinking heuristics. Fake news.
Module 3
14. Communication and conflict dynamics: types of conflict; de-escalation communication strategies; negotiation strategies.
15. Communication in work groups: interactive processes and dynamics; differences between face-to-face and virtual teams.
16. Leadership styles.
17. Success factors and threats to the effective functioning of work groups. Between Face-to-Face and Virtual Groups.
Prerequisites for admission
Prerequisites for admission are not required.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods will be frontal lessons, case studies, videos, and role-playing. Students will be involved in interactive sessions and exercises to understand concepts in depth and their implications.
Teaching Resources
Anolli, A. (2012). Fondamenti di psicologia della comunicazione. Seconda edizione Bologna: Il Mulino.
Lotto, L. e Rumiati, R. (a cura di ) (terza edizione, 2026). Introduzione alla psicologia della comunicazione. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Details on the final exam program will be provided on MyARIEL (2026/2027) at the beginning of the lectures.
Lotto, L. e Rumiati, R. (a cura di ) (terza edizione, 2026). Introduzione alla psicologia della comunicazione. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Details on the final exam program will be provided on MyARIEL (2026/2027) at the beginning of the lectures.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is a written test composed of open questions and multiple-choice questions. It aims at verifying: a) knowledge of the main theoretical concepts and models that explain interpersonal, group and socio-organizational communication processes; b) the ability to illustrate the characteristics of the main ways of communication and their implications; c) the ability to recognize the cognitive, emotional, socio-cultural factors that influence the effectiveness of communication; d) the ability to use the specific language of the discipline properly.
The time available to complete the exam is 1 hour and 20 minutes. The maximum score achievable is 30. The minimum score to pass the exam is 18/30.
The time available to complete the exam is 1 hour and 20 minutes. The maximum score achievable is 30. The minimum score to pass the exam is 18/30.
PSIC-03/B - Work and Organizational Psychology - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professors:
Gilardi Silvia, Prato Previde Albrisi Colomban Guido Carlo
Professor(s)
Reception:
Mondays: 4 pm - 7 pm (by appointment via email).
via Conservatorio 7, room n. 11