What is a common cause of mental barriers in communication?

Assumptions based on past experiences are indeed a common cause of mental barriers in communication. When individuals rely on previous interactions or experiences, they often form preconceived notions that can cloud their judgment and interpretation of new information. This inclination to draw parallels between past and present situations can lead to misunderstandings, as individuals may project past outcomes onto new conversations or relationships. By not approaching each interaction with an open mind, they may miss out on the nuances of the current communication, preventing effective exchange of ideas.

Other factors like excessive noise can disrupt communication, lack of interest can lead to disengagement, and insufficient information can create gaps in understanding. However, these factors often pertain more to external influences rather than the internal thought processes that assumptions create. The mental barriers stemming from assumptions can significantly affect how messages are received and interpreted, making it critical to recognize and address these barriers in effective communication.