Attentiveness as a style of communication: A structural analysis

Abstract

Attentiveness, as a stylistic component, is introduced as a construct in its own right. A 30‐item, pencil and paper measure is presented which focuses upon behavioral signals, sensitivities, and self‐evaluations. A factor analysis and elementary linkage analysis show that the attentiveness construct can be accurately represented in terms of these three factors. Two regression analyses indicate that attentiveness is a function of posture, verbal behavior, and eye contact. Finally, it is demonstrated that attentiveness (via amount of listening behavior) varies as a function of role status across differing contexts.