The development of communication apprehension: A retrospective analysis of contributory correlates

Abstract

Although a considerable amount of research demonstrates the powerful effect of oral communication apprehension on social behavior, little research has explored the etiological bases for that anxiety. This research examines the role of parent/home and school variables in predicting the apprehension of college students. Results suggest that the amount of positive reinforcement for communication attempts experienced at home contributes significantly, while general parental affect, negative or punishment responses from parents, and parental competitiveness do not. The grade‐school environment and the perceived amount of error correction present in both grade school and high school were also found to have a significant effect Home and school, when taken together, accounted for significantly more of the apprehension than either one did individually although school effects predominate over home effects.