What does supportive communication aim to eliminate?

Supportive communication is designed to foster a positive and open dialogue between individuals, aimed specifically at reducing defensiveness. When communication is supportive, it encourages a sense of safety and trust, making individuals more receptive to feedback and open to discussing sensitive topics. This kind of communication focuses on validating the feelings and perspectives of others, thereby decreasing the likelihood that they will react defensively or become entrenched in their positions.

In contrast to defensiveness, supportive communication seeks to build a constructive environment where issues can be addressed without panic or hostility. By doing so, it promotes mutual understanding and collaboration rather than conflict or avoidance, helping individuals feel valued and understood.

The other options—understanding, disagreement, and conformity—are not the targets of elimination in supportive communication. In fact, understanding is often a goal, disagreement can be a healthy aspect of dialogue, and conformity is not a primary focus of supportive communication; instead, the method encourages authentic expression of thoughts and feelings.