Comparison of communication apprehension across cultures: American and Swedish children

Abstract

This study explores levels of communication apprehension reported by 5‐ to 11‐year‐old subjects in the United States and Sweden. The Personal Report of Communication Fear was administered in the native languages, and the effects of culture, age, and gender were examined. Significant main effects for culture and age were found: Swedish subjects were more apprehensive than American subjects, and older subjects (ages 9–11 years) were more apprehensive than younger subjects (ages 5–8 years). The ANOVA yielded no significant main effect for gender and no significant 2‐way interactions; however, a significant 3‐way interaction was found. Tukey post hoc analyses revealed that Swedish older males were significantly more apprehensive than American younger males, American younger females, and American older males; and Swedish older females were significantly more apprehensive than American younger males. This study suggests significant amounts of apprehension to be developed and increased in early years and indicates the need for research and educational efforts with children and communication apprehension.

Key concepts:

• Communication apprehension
• shyness
• culture
• age
• gender
• American
• Swedish
• children
• PRCF
• native languages