Motivation, communications research, and family planning

Abstract

Focus is on discussion of the problem of what implications can be drawn from social psychological research and theory that can contribute to both the acceptance and promulgation of effective birth control practices. Attention is directed to types of communications research some theory with practical implications some implications of research on communication political and logistical considerations as strategic factors and the need for research. Despite much progress in the field communications research has directed its attention to considerably easier problems than those confronted in the motivational aspect of family planning. The current fund of research experience can be used to aid in the better theoretical definition of the practical problem. In the present limited state of research in motivation and communication the greatest probable contribution of social psychology lies in this direction. Of all the results of communication research the central finding is the fact of resistance. In general peoples beliefs attitudes and behavior tend to be stable. Demands and arguments for change are likely to be resisted. Whenever communications try to change preexisting beliefs attitudes and practices that involve important goals and values strong resistances are likely to arise at each stage of the communication process. Some communications are so strongly resisted that they fail to realize even the 1st step of eliciting audience exposure to the message.