Synton is a term of practical psychology introduced by A.P. Egides and actively promoted in the synton approach.
«Sin» — together, «tone» — sound, «synton» — consonance, harmony. «Synthonic» — «consonant», «harmonious», opposite to «conflict» and «fragmented».
«Hurrah, you called!» «You look wonderful!» «Do you want some tea?» «I’m glad we got married!» “Lord, how happy I am that I once chose you!” «Darling, can I help you?» “Tell me, please, what do you think about this issue?” «I’m in a hurry to you!» «Yes, darling. Of course expensive. As you say, so we will do! — all these words, so natural and magical, pleasing people dear to us, are synthons.
Synthons are psychological strokes that create similar emotional states among communication partners, tune in to the same wave, help establish contact, help mutual understanding, and improve relationships. Synthons are primarily an element of communication, a positive communicative message. However, synthons are not only elements of communication, not only communication, these are all our words and actions, all the little things and details in communication and relationships that are pleasant to the interlocutor.
Is some element of communication or interaction a syntone? — To determine this, you need to look at how it relates to the needs of the person to whom it was directed. Synthons — all our words and actions, all the little things and details in communication and relationships that meet the needs of a communication partner, are consistent with his expectations. On the contrary, they are conflictogens.
Usually synthons are and are strongly recommended for everyday use:
- Signs of acceptance, sincere smile
- Positive evaluation, approval
- Praise, compliments, sincere admiration
- Signs of respect, courtesy. Respect for the partner’s time, for his opinion (not categorical), his decisions.
- Active expression of gratitude, appreciation
- Active listening
- Removing guilt from a partner
- Admitting your mistakes
- Keeping promises made
- Willingness to Compromise
- Self directed humor
For more on this, see the Table of syntones and conflictogens.
Interesting: a certain dose of conflictogens in communication is a sign of trust and therefore a synthon. A peculiar form are synthons from the contrary.