Communicative adaptability: A review of conceptualization and measurement

Abstract

Due to the importance of the communication competence construct a number of conceptualizations and measures have been developed. One measure of communication competence is the Communicative Adaptability Scale (CAS). The purpose of this article is to provide a review of the conceptualization and measurement of the CAS. Additionally, research utilizing the CAS is summarized. Some of the variables found to be associated with the CAS are: communication apprehension, shyness, loneliness, communication satisfaction, attraction, cognitive complexity, interaction involvement, and androgyny. The paper concludes with a discussion of research trends and limitations of the CAS.

Key concepts:

• Communication competence
• communication responsiveness
• adaptability
• interpersonal competence.