ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a continuous process model of communication; a model that takes account of both sequential and concurrent events and that recognizes the creative and co-constructive features of ordinary social communication. It discusses two principles: co-regulation and framing. In addition, a comparison will be made between these principles and related constructs found in the developmental and social psychology literature. The chapter suggests that the discrete state model of communication is not a very good description of human social interaction, however well the model may apply to electronic communication. A continuous process of mutual social co-ordination requires that there be a continuous unfolding of individual action that is susceptible to being continuously modified by the continuously changing actions of the partner. The concept of co-regulation refers to the dynamics of the communication process, as co-action that is continuously variable and mutually adjustable. In general, frames are established by consensual agreement through co-regulated negotiation processes.
