PITTSBURG, PA. (Ivanhoe Newswire)– According to a newly released survey, 75 percent of American women say their mental health has declined over the past year. Seven out of ten believe the ways in which they communicate can impact their mental health. The experts involved in the study have identified five distinct communication styles. Could knowing yours put you on the path to better relationships and better health? Who is the better communicator… men, or women?
Some would argue one is not necessarily better than the other but they are different.
“Women use more words than men.” Explains La Keita Carter, PsyD and mental health expert.
Licensed psychologist La Keita Carter worked with New York communications firm ‘Evolve MKD’ to develop a survey for women about social interaction and mental health.
“Women are impacted by other people’s mental health around them.” Carter states.
Carter says most fall into one of five communication styles. Starting with the meet and greeter. These are the “huggers” for them, virtual doesn’t cut it.
“Because they’re just, they’re stuck not being able to communicate in the ways that they find to be really fulfilling for them.” Carter further explains.
Some women are over sharers, sharing everything you need to know about them without you asking. The initiator starts conversations and feeds off other’s verbal energy. The observer watches how conversation unfolds before they jump in. Finally, the protector finds communication draining and chooses when and how to engage. Thirty-two-year- old Jennifer Mercer worked from home the past 18 months. She’s learned that she is a protector.
“I got to a point where I would tell people in zoom meetings, I’m going to have my camera off. I needed some time.” Mercer explains of constant zoom interactions.
Carter says there’s no right or wrong communication style, but it’s important to know what works for you, and the others around you.
“Sometimes it’s about adapting yourself and women are adaptable creatures.” Carter states.
Evolve MKD, a New York communications firm founded and led by women, conducted the research with two thousand adults between August 2020 and March 2021. For more details, or to identify your communication style, the research is available on the company’s website.
Source:
https://www.evolvemkd.com/research/
https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/life/relationships/tips-for-extroverts
Contributor(s) to this news report include: Cyndy McGrath, Producer; Kirk Manson, Videographer; Roque Correa, Editor.
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