The Effects of Communication Motives, Interaction Involvement, and Loneliness on Satisfaction

Abstract

A small group model was tested that traced the path by which communication motives influenced interaction involvement and loneliness and the ways that these factors, in turn, influenced group satisfaction. Results indicated that pleasure was a reason for communicating responsively, whereas escape, control, and inclusion were not reasons. Escape was not a motive reported by those who were lonely. With regard to group satisfaction, it was found that loneliness was a mediatingfactor in that members who interacted responsively were not lonely, and those who were not lonely reported satisfaction with the group. Finally, there was a direct link between the need for affection and satisfaction. Implications of the model's findings support the need for communication skills training and understanding members' motives for interacting in ongoing task groups.