The relationship between conversational sensitivity, cognitive flexibility, verbal aggressiveness and indirect interpersonal aggressiveness

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which conversational sensitivity is related to cognitive flexibility, as well as the extent to which sensitivity and flexibility are related to verbal aggressiveness and indirect interpersonal aggression. Cognitive flexibility appears to be an important aspect of conversational sensitivity, in that conversationally sensitive listeners seem more likely to be aware of their options for navigating conversations smoothly, and of the possible cues to which they may attend. The two aggression traits were examined to enable a greater understanding of the ways in which message reception and cognitive flexibility may relate to important aspects of message production. Conversational sensitivity and cognitive flexibility were positively related. Conversational sensitivity was not related to verbal aggression or indirect interpersonal aggression. Cognitive flexibility was inversely related to indirect interpersonal aggression.