Changes in latitude, changes in attitude: The relationship between climate and interpersonal communication predispositions

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between climate and cultural communication predispositions within the United States. It is proposed that climate affects culture and communication in systematic ways. Three hypotheses are developed that posit a relationship between climate and cultural measures of interpersonal arousal, interpersonal power, and interpersonal affect. Results indicate that 42% of the variance in cultural interpersonal arousal can be accounted for by average temperature, two multivariate climate indices, and sunshine. Cultural interpersonal power predispositions can be explained (53% variance) by latitude, rainfall, storminess, and a multivariate climate index. Finally, cultural predispositions in interpersonal affect can be partially explained (24% variance) by latitude. Overall, in an additive model almost 75% of the variance in all three communication dimensions is explained at the cultural level by latitude. These results are discussed in light of theory and future research implications.