An experimental study of self‐concept and satisfactions

Abstract

In this study, the theoretical formulations of Leary and Rogers were used to delineate the role of self‐concept in interpersonal communication. Berger's scale for expressed acceptance of others was used to categorize subjects on this aspect of self‐concept. Primary dependent variables were satisfactions, observable communicative behavior, and sociometric choice. Eight experimental groups of each sex composed of two subjects expressing high acceptance and two expressing low acceptance of others discussed for twenty minutes. They were given no task or problem to solve, but were instructed to spend the time in discussion. The major findings were that males expressing high acceptance of others also expressed a greater expectancy to receive satisfactions from discussion, made more group maintaining communications, and received more directed communications than males expressing low acceptance.