Red Light: Avoidance Behaviors

Avoidance behaviors are verbal interactions that introduce ambiguity, contradiction or redundancy (Shannon and Weaver, 1964) into the communication process. This introduction of dissonance into the communication system functions as a way to reduce tension by moving further away from actual problems by using behaviors like fighting, obsucring or competing. 

Avoidance behaviors tend to illicit additional avoidance behaviors, generating a cycle of tension-driven communication that prevents the sharing of personal information. Ironically, in situations where personal information is most needed, this cycle of avoidance assures that personal information becomes the scarcest resource available. 
 

Interestingly enough, tone of voice can render any statement a 'red-light' behavior. While statements that blame, complain, attack, put-down or criticize self or others are composed of words that clearly place them into 'red-light' behavior, a voice tone that is bombastic, righteous, whining, sarcastic, bullying, blameful, or self-defensive can place even the most neutral of comments into the 'avoidance' category.
 

see SAVI GRID