Compulsive Communication in the Classroom: Is the Talkaholic Teacher a Misbehaving Instructor?

Abstract

From the frame of expectancy violations theory, we examined the associations between instructors' compulsive communication and three instructor misbehaviors: irresponsibility, derisiveness, and apathy. Results revealed that students who perceived their instructors as compulsive communicators also perceived them as misbehaving. Next, we determined if nonverbal immediacy mediates the associations between instructors' compulsive communication and instructor misbehaviors, as well as student affective learning. Results revealed that nonverbal immediacy partially mediated the relationships between compulsive communication and the misbehaviors of irresponsibility and apathy, and fully mediated the negative associations between compulsive communication and students' affect for instructor and course.

Keywords:

• Compulsive Communication
• Expectancy Violations Theory
• Instructor Misbehaviors
• Nonverbal Immediacy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robert J. Sidelinger

Robert J. Sidelinger (EdD, West Virginia University, 2008) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Journalism at Oakland University.

Derek M. Bolen

Derek M. Bolen (PhD, Wayne State University, 2012) is an Assistant Professor and Graduate Director in the Department of Communication and Mass Media at Angelo State University.