The perceptual world of the communication apprehensive: The effect of communication apprehension and interpersonal gaze on interpersonal perception

Abstract

This study examined the effects of gaze behavior by interviewees on the interpersonal perception of interviewers. Additionally, the communication apprehension (CA) level of the interviewers was measured. Both the main effects of eye contact and the interactive effect of interviewers’ CA level and eye contact were tested for 11 person‐perception dimensions. Results showed both main effects and interaction effects, indicating the importance of assessing communication behaviors and communication traits in combination. Results also indicated that high communication apprehensives are relatively insensitive to differences in eye contact.