Exploring the Impact of Gender Role Self-Perception on Communication Style

Abstract

In this investigation, communication style was conceptualized as the way individuals perceive themselves interacting with others. Using the Bern Sex Role Inventory (BSRI; Bem, 1976, 1985) and the Communication Styles Profile Test (CSPT; McCallister, 1992), three predominant communication styles were examined as a function of respondent sex and gender role self-perception. Consistent with expectations, the data show that gender role self-perception mediated reported communication style. Independent of sex, the findings revealed that communal respondents prefer a sharing, expressive communication style; whereas agentic respondents prefer a dominating, assertive communication style. Although a less distinctive pattern, significant sex-differences were also evident in communication style preference. Females reported a socially-oriented style of communicating while males reported a more direct, results-oriented communication style. Further, no sex by gender role self-perception interaction was evident. The implications of these findings for future research and application are discussed.