Communication apprehension and health communication and behaviors

Two samples of working and college adults reported on their communication apprehension and health behaviors and communication. Specific communication apprehension as measured by a modified version of the Form State scale showed moderate to large negative effects on health communication (talking with physician, seeking health information) and almost no effects on health behaviors (tobacco use, exercise, health fairs) except diet. General trait communication apprehension as measured by the PRCA‐24 showed similar, though smaller, effects on the same variables. Results correspond to findings in other contexts where CA has negative effects when communication is a prominent feature of the interaction.

Key concepts:

• communication apprehension
• anxiety
• health communication
• health behavior
• adults
• survey