The relationship of interpersonal communication variables to academic success and persistence in college

Abstract

Recent research has considered a number of communication variables (e.g., communication competence and communication apprehension) in academic performance and college retention issues. This study extends this line of research by examining the influence of communication competence, roommate rapport, and loneliness on academic performance and student persistence. Results indicate that communication competence is important in a college student's academic and social life. In general, some dimensions of communication competence are positively related to roommate rapport and grade point average, and negatively related to loneliness and math SAT scores. Perceptions of roommate's communication competence on some dimensions are also associated with roommate rapport and negatively related to loneliness. Finally, the social confirmation dimension of communication competence differentiates persisters and non‐persisters up to four years later. These and additional findings are examined.

Key concepts:

• Communication competence
• loneliness
• roommate rapport
• academic success
• student retention