January 17, 2012 by

Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT) is the theory concerning how individuals seek to reduce uncertainty between each other during initial interactions, based on self-disclosure. The scope of the theory is narrowed down to rest on the premise that strangers, upon meeting, go through certain steps and checkpoints in order to make predictions about how another person behaves. Accurately predicting a person’s reactions reduces uncertainty and allows you to do and says the things that allow relationships to form.

The assumptions of this theory include:

People experience uncertainty in interpersonal settings.

(Because differing expectations exist for interpersonal occasions, it is reasonable to conclude that people are uncertain or even nervous about meeting others.)

Uncertainty is an aversive state, generating cognitive stress.

(The second assumption suggests that uncertainty is an aversive state. In other words, it takes a great deal of emotional and psychological energy to remain uncertain. Until initial encounters take place, people experience a great deal of cognitive stress.)

When strangers meet, their primary concern is to reduce their uncertainty or to increase predictability.

(The next assumption underlying URT advances the proposition that when strangers meet, two concerns are important: reducing uncertainty and increasing predictability. Information seeking usually takes the form of asking questions in order to gain some predictability; in other words, using small talk.)

Interpersonal communication is a developmental process that occurs through stages.

(Generally speaking, most people begin interaction in an entry phase, defined as the beginning stage of an interaction between strangers. The entry phase is guided by implicit and explicit rules and norms, such as responding in kind when someone says, “Hi! How are you doing?”)

(Individuals then enter the second stage, called the personal phase, or the stage where the interactants start to communicate more spontaneously and to reveal more idiosyncratic information. The personal phase can occur during an initial encounter, but it is more likely to begin after repeated interactions.)

(The third stage, the exit phase, refers to the stage during which individuals make decisions about whether they wish to continue interacting with this partner in the future. The duration of time entering or exiting each stage differs by the individuals involved.)

Interpersonal communication is the primary means of uncertainty reduction.

(URT draws on interpersonal context; interpersonal communication requires a host of preconditions—among them listening skills, nonverbal response cues, and a shared language. Charles Berger warns that there are a number of situations where “these preconditions for carrying out face-to-face encounters may not be met.” For instance, he notes the inherent challenges in communicating with hearing-impaired or visually impaired interactants who do not have full sensory capabilities. Or you may have had some experience communicating with someone who does not speak your language. Challenges will affect these relationships. In sum, then, interpersonal communication—with all of its behaviors and nuances—is crucial in the uncertainty reduction process.)

The quantity and nature of information that people share change through time.

(The next assumption underscores the nature of time. It also focuses on the fact that interpersonal communication is developmental. Uncertainty reduction theorists believe that initial interactions are key elements in the developmental process. The longer it takes to establish contact with another person or people the greater the level of uncertainty becomes and the more difficult it becomes to reduce it.)

It is possible to predict people’s behavior in a law-like fashion.

(A covering law approach to theory construction assumes that human behavior is regulated by generalizable principles that function in a law-like manner. Although there may be some exceptions, in general people behave in accordance with these laws. In other words, people tend to follow specific patterns when they attempt to predict another’s behavior. These could be patterns established from past experiences. For all intents and purposes, consider it a method of investigation and interrogation.)


The assumptions and definitions that make up URT, like other communication theories, are often questioned and new definitions or theories develop. Another theory called the "Predicted-outcome Value" (POV) theory states that we choose our interactions based upon those that we predict will have a positive outcome. Those that we predict will have a negative outcome, we will disengage from.

I thought it would be important to define the uncertainty reduction theory because it is often compared to social penetration theory and future blogs will contain discussions about the similarities and differences between the two.

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