Communication Apprehension: Levels of First–Generation College Students at 2–Year Institutions

Abstract

The study explored the oral communication apprehension (CA) levels of first-generation college students at a 2-year case study community institution. Overall and general-context CA were measured using the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension-24 (PRCA-24). The survey was sent by e-mail to 2,040 institutionally-identified first-generation 2-year college students. A total of 161 responses were received from students. In addition to taking the PRCA-24, students were asked to describe how they dealt with an apprehensive communication experience. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis. First-generation 2-year college students had a CA profile similar to reported levels for national norms. Further, students were shown to use a variety of ways to deal with their CA. Students used elements of communication-orientation motivation, intrapersonal communication, guided visualization, skills training, physical self-regulation, preparation, practice, humor, and a combination approach to managing their own apprehension. Strategies for helping first-generation college students manage their CA were suggested.