Date of Award

1999

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Communication Studies

First Advisor

Loretta Pecchioni

Second Advisor

Renee Edwards

Abstract

This investigation explored the effects of the interpersonal communication concepts of willingness to communicate, self-monitoring, and loneliness on the group outcomes of group attraction and group communication satisfaction. Using the Willingness to Communicate Scale (McCroskey, & Richmond, 1990), Lennox and Wolfe's (1984) Revised Self-monitoring Scale, the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, Peplau, & Cutrona, 1980), an adaptation of Byrne's (1969) original Interpersonal Judgment Scale, and an adaptation of Hecht's (1978) Communication Satisfaction Inventory, communication dispositions were analyzed in relationship to group attraction and group communication satisfaction. Consistent with expectations, the results show that loneliness mediated reported group communication satisfaction. Individuals who view themselves as lonely are less satisfied with group communication. Inconsistent with expectations, results show that willingness to communicate is not associated with group attraction or group communication satisfaction. Surprisingly, the results show that the self-monitoring dimension of "ability to modify self-presentation" is negatively associated with group attraction; but the self-monitoring dimension of "sensitivity to expressive behavior" is not associated with either group outcome. Additionally, non-U.S. citizens are less attracted to their groups than U.S. citizens. Further, there was a significant increase in group attraction after the subjects engaged in group exercises that focused on communication. No matter what communication orientation, individuals like their groups more after communicating together in group exercises. Finally, the implications of these findings for future research and application are discussed.

ISBN

9780599636057

Pages

108

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_disstheses.7097

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