Communication apprehension as a personality trait: An emotional defense of a concept

Abstract

The original conceptualization of Communication Apprehension (CA) as a trait has been challenged recently on the grounds that those identified as high CAs do not always feel greater anxiety than low CAs when confronted with oral communication situations. That challenge is based on research that is difficult to interpret; methodological and conceptual problems are associated with the manipulation of the situation variable and the definition and measurement of the dependent variable of anxiety. This study clarifies the trait‐state nature of communication apprehension by applying an emotion‐based theory of human response as a means of resolving these problems. The results support the conceptualization of communication apprehension as a trait‐like personality characteristic which predisposes certain individuals to higher levels of anxiety in oral communication situations.