The Greek philosopher Diogenes famously commented, “We have two ears and only one tongue in order that we may hear more and speak less.” His appreciation for the importance of actually listening is timeless. Even today, we recognize that listening benefits all individuals involved. But what does it mean to “actually listen”? Active listening goes beyond simply hearing words—it involves listening for the meaning and intention underlying the words. There are seven fundamentals of active listening (Leonardo, 2020).
One benefit of active listening is that it allows genuine connections to form while conversing. By following active listening techniques, a person who is listened to is more likely to feel valued and appreciated. These feelings are essential for the creation of lasting connections. Moreover, active listening encourages positive verbal and nonverbal behaviors. According to research, these behaviors foster a sense of safety between individuals (Zhou & Fredrickson, 2023). When people feel understood, their sense of connection and emotional security improves, which often enhances their well-being.
Not only is active listening essential to form meaningful connections, but it also plays a significant role in maintaining these relationships. More specifically, active listening can play a role in conflict management. Conflict often arises from improper communication habits, such as intentionally withdrawing from a conversation, dominating it, and not allowing the other person to speak. By employing active listening techniques and acknowledging the root of the problem, people can avoid conflict and further strengthen their relationships.
Research supports the idea that active listening is not only socially beneficial but is also physiologically rewarding. In a carefully controlled study, participants who were being actively listened to exhibited heightened activation in the neural regions associated with pleasure (Kawamichi et al., 2014). This finding suggests that active listening can have a more direct role in one’s well-being than simply forming stronger social bonds.
Thus, I encourage you to incorporate some of the active listening techniques listed above into your daily conversations. While these techniques may seem simple, the impact they can have is tremendous.
Wojciech Kielbus
Wojciech Kielbus is a junior studying Neurobiology & Physiology in the College of Science with minors in psychology and chemistry. After graduation, he hopes to attend medical school and learn more about the nuances of human health and well-being. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and swimming.
Visit this page to learn more about members of the Research Collaborative
Office of the Dean of Students, Student Support Services
Counseling and Psychological Services
To join the conversation and learn more,
use the hashtag #PurdueStepstoLeaps on social channels:
