Situational determinants of communication apprehension

Abstract

The theoretical foundation of communication apprehension is a trait conceptualization of speech anxiety. Although stability is implicit in the general notion of traits, the stability of communication apprehension measures has not been well documented. This study was conducted to determine whether or not an impending classroom performance affects PRCA scores. The results indicate that subjects anticipating a speech performance report higher communication apprehension than those anticipating a lecture. Moreover, the results indicate the possibility of disarray of PRCA scores following anticipated speech performance.