Keys to Healthy Communication

Authenticity Empathy Empowerment

Non-Fiction - Social Issues
204 Pages
Reviewed on 04/25/2022
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Author Biography

Bobby R. Patton, Ph.D. is a retired university administrator and Communication Studies Professor (University of Kansas, California State University—Los Angeles, Wichita State University and University of Central Missouri). Patton co-authored with Kim Giffin numerous college textbooks including the first textbooks on interpersonal communication, Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication and Basic Readings in Interpersonal Communication, Harper and Row, 1971, which stimulated the development of courses around the country and were adopted by over 350 colleges and universities. For the next 40 years, he co-authored numerous other works including Problem-Solving Group Interaction, Harper and Row, 1973, Interpersonal Communication in Action, Harper and Row, 1974, 1977, and 1981, Personal Communication in Human Relations, Charles E. Merrill, 1974, Decision-Making Group Interaction, Harper, 1978, 1989 and Allyn and Bacon, 2003. In 1976, he and Giffin co-supervised and edited an interpersonal communication series of 8 texts. He wrote with Bonnie Patton the first gender communication textbook, Living Together: Female-Male Communication, Charles E. Merrill, 1976.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Keys to Healthy Communication, by Bobby R. Patton, Ph.D., Rusalyn H. Andrews, Ph.D., and Jennifer Page Daily, MD, is a stellar guide to communication that you can benefit from today. Communication is more than simply talking to one another and listening. It's that, of course, but it also can strengthen one's physical and mental health, foster more meaningful relationships, and contribute to a better community and the wider world. COVID-19 is just one of the problems used to show how communication, whether good or bad, can have an impact. This book teaches us three buzzwords--Authenticity, Empathy, and Empowerment--and how to use them when interacting with others, thus creating positive, healthier results. Responding negatively to a person or situation can affect our health, but if we try and are aware, we can actually prevent harmful communication and responses. This fascinating book is full of practical takeaways for younger and older audiences, and, if applied, can lead to better health in all areas.

The authors take us by the hand as we go deep diving into the health-related aspects of good communication. Living authentically is one of the major themes, but to be authentic means a stronger awareness of who you are, who others are, and what they and the world need from the communication. I like the point they stress that being authentic and being real can be daunting for some people, as most are reluctant to show vulnerability, but holding back, or using a facade, is responsible for health problems, toxic relationships, heartache, and abusive relationships. If we strive for honest communication, we come away with stronger minds, hearts, and relationships. Toxicity, abuse, and other negative effects can be turned into mutual trust, empathy, self-esteem, confidence, and so much more. One of my favorite takeaways is that the authors' concepts can be applied in personal and professional ways, as well as in families, groups, communities, and dealings with the world in general. Anecdotes, data, and exercises add energy and a personal feel. As a former social worker, I highly recommend this book. If you like lessons that show you how to be healthier and make a meaningful difference in life every day, Keys to Healthy Communication by Bobby R. Patton, Ph.D., Rusalyn H. Andrews, Ph.D., and Jennifer Page Daily, MD should not be missed.

Lois Henderson

Keys to Healthy Communication: Authenticity, Empathy, Empowerment by Bobby R. Patton, Ph.D., Rusalyn H. Andrews, Ph.D., and Jennifer Page Daily, MD provides an overview of health and wellness, the importance of communication in health, and the evolution of the human brain. The three medical experts describe authenticity in terms of determining right and wrong in relation to reality, the importance of reciprocal self-disclosure to maintaining a healthy relationship, and how critical trust, confidence, and societal health are central to maintaining a sound outlook on life, even in the middle of a pandemic. Empathy is shown to be a critical element both at home and abroad, in both personal and broader societal circles. The interplay between power and empowerment is discussed within the ambit of both healthy and unhealthy relationships. The work ends with exploring how to ensure holistic living through opening up relationships to a bright new future enhanced by greater cognitive control.

Bobby R. Patton, Rusalyn H. Andrews, and Jennifer Page Daily's book, Keys to Healthy Communication: Authenticity, Empathy, Empowerment, shows how, even when a work is grounded in intensive research, it can, nevertheless, be highly accessible to the average reader. The holistic nature of the authors’ work is so well-rounded that the insights they provide should prove to be extremely helpful to any reader who wishes to know more about how to maximize the benefits that can be obtained from healthy and open communication within any relationship, whether in the work environment or on the home front. The emphasis on the importance of open and honest communication for happy and healthful living is conveyed with such truth and sincerity that even the most jaded among us should be able to benefit on a multiplicity of levels from reading and reflecting on this work.

Hayley Haun

Keys to Healthy Communication: Authenticity Empathy Empowerment by Bobby R. Patton, Ph.D., Rusalyn H. Andrews, Ph.D., and Jennifer Page Daily, MD, reflects on social issues. One such example is the effect on physical and mental health through Covid 19. How has the pandemic impacted our society in both a negative and positive light and in turn, what does that do to our emotions, our empathy, and our thinking? The authors explain how all of these factors can alter or improve the manner we communicate with each other and teach us ways in which we can interact better.

I think through reading Keys to Healthy Communication by Bobby R. Patton, Ph.D., Rusalyn H. Andrews, Ph.D., and Jennifer Page Daily, MD, I have come to understand myself better. Though I may embody certain empathetic qualities to help me connect with people, I do have a difficult time opening up about my own concerns and stresses. The great thing is that we can practice healthy communication by meeting with friends and talking about future goals, mending fences with others, identifying habits we want to change, or learning how to interact in supportive ways. You can learn all about these by reading this book. It gives us a wealth of knowledge on how we can improve ourselves because, let’s face it, we all need it! One of Dr. Jen’s sayings is perfect for this: “The saddest fact in life is not that people have to suffer to grow, but that many people persist in suffering without growing.” How about we all try to persevere together?

Miche Arendse

Keys to Healthy Communication: Authenticity Empathy Empowerment by Bobby R. Patton, Ph.D., Rusalyn H. Andrews, Ph.D., and Jennifer Page Daily, MD centers on the different areas in which communication is used in our lives and how important it is to be able to communicate our thoughts and feelings effectively. Communication, although a part of our everyday life, is something that many struggle with. This book seeks to establish the importance of interpersonal communication through key concepts that allow a person to effectively and honestly communicate their feelings and thoughts.

Keys to Healthy Communication by Bobby R. Patton, Ph.D., Rusalyn H. Andrews, Ph.D., and Jennifer Page Daily, MD was a brilliant book with an insightful look into communication and how important it is in our everyday lives. Focusing on authenticity and honesty when communicating, you are taught to recognize your own feelings and communicate them in a way that can be readily received by those around you without any misconceptions or conflict. I enjoyed reading through each chapter, which takes you on a journey of learning and ends with the reader having the necessary tools to go out and practice better communication skills. As someone who has a hard time expressing themselves, I found this book to be truly inspiring and helpful in many ways. I think emphasizing the need for honesty and authenticity in communication is a brilliant concept. Even though it may seem simple, it is not something that is often achieved. I think this book would be a great help to many people and I highly recommend giving it a read.

Vincent Dublado

Keys to Healthy Communication: Authenticity, Empathy, Empowerment is a powerful collaborative work by authors Bobby R. Patton, Rusalyn H. Andrews, and Jennifer Page Daily. This work puts emphasis on the importance of interpersonal communication to individual health. The book is divided into five sections. The first section provides an overview of the role of communication in health and wellness. The second discusses authenticity or the attribution of reality to our experiences and of our perception of the world. The third deals with the importance of empathy. The fourth is about personal empowerment. Finally, the fifth section is about unlocking your doors to welcome healthy communication. It is a work that attests to the power of healthy communication and how it creates a ripple effect when you are open, empathetic, and actively listening.

Keys to Healthy Communication deserves an audience. Built on the foundations of identifying detrimental communication practices in a time when the world is facing a global health crisis, this book will truly help you to adjust and navigate your way in the ever-growing demands of contemporary communication. Bobby R. Patton, Rusalyn H. Andrews, and Jennifer Page Daily highlight authenticity, empathy, and empowerment as keys to healthy communication--factors that, when overlooked, cause a breakdown in human interaction. With that in mind, the authors go the extra mile by providing reflections and activities that you can go back over to ensure that you receive the optimum learning and reading experience. This is not a magic pill that will change you overnight. Everything lies in practice and not just theories. I strongly recommend this book to everyone for its dedication to creating a healthy society through peaceful and well-delivered interactions.

Mariam Tijani

Keys to Healthy Communication: Authenticity, Empathy, and Empowerment by Bobby R. Patton Ph.D., Rusalyn H. Andrews Ph. D, Jennifer Page Daily Ph.D. is a foundational book for developing healthy relationships and becoming more aware of the need to possess good interpersonal skills. The authors dive into the health implications of our lifestyle choices and how we can develop healthy communication skills. We will learn to understand other people's thoughts and emotions better by paying attention to them and developing good listening skills. The book explains the basic concepts of effective communication using examples, case studies, facts, and evidence. Emphasis is placed on the role our personal, social, and emotional health plays in the well-being of our society generally. The authors provide practical guidance for the real-world application of the skills mentioned in the book.

Keys to Healthy Communication aims at improving the mental and physical health of readers. This is a must-read for anyone that wants to improve their communication skills at work or personally. The contributing team of Bobby R. Patton, Ph.D., Rusalyn H. Andrews, Ph.D., and Jennifer Page Daily, MD have shown that good communication and empathetic skills can be learned. It's an important and much-needed book. I suggest everyone should get a copy, especially now that many people in society have lost some of their ability to communicate effectively. Each part of the book has valuable lessons and examples that, if applied, can help the reader foster healthier relationships and enjoy good health. I found the book helpful, the examples relatable, and the descriptions easy to understand. I highly recommend it to all readers.

GRATEFUL FOR THE BOOK

MAKES A GREAT GIFT!! THE GIFT OO HEALTHY COMMUNICATION !

Joe Ske

Our book club selected Keys to Healthy Communication and loved it. Great discussions and learned a lot.