Examining motivation predictors of key communication constructs: An investigation of regulatory focus, need satisfaction, and need frustration

Abstract

This research examined the extent to which key motivation factors predict significantly individual differences in three important communication constructs, namely communication apprehension, self-perceived communication competence, and willingness to communicate. This study was informed by the tenets of regulatory focus and self-determination theories and collected data from a sample of New Zealand university students. Findings show that promotion focus and competence satisfaction/frustration are strong predictors of psychological processes underpinning differences in communication apprehension and self-perceived communication competence. In addition, the results suggest that self-perceptions of communicative competence are a strong positive predictor of willingness to communicate. These findings have important implications for motivation and communication research as well as for pedagogical practice pertaining to communication.