Conversation success in one-to-one and group conversation: a group concept mapping study of adults with normal and impaired hearing

Figures & data

Table 1. Demographics and participation rates.

Age in years, mean (SD)	63.9 (6.5)	64.5 (6.4)	64.3 (6.4)
Activity	Brainstorming, n	Sorting, n	Rating, n
Gender
Female	19	12	16
Male	16	12	13
Hearing condition
Normal hearing	16	10	13
Impaired hearing	19	14	16
Work status
Retired	20	14	17
Paid employment	10	7	7
Not in paid employment	5	3	5
Total	35	24	29

Figure 1. The cluster map depicting seven clusters of conversation success. The number of layers represents the rating of overall importance given to each cluster.

Table 2. Seven clusters representing factors that can lead to conversation success, a brief description, and examples of statements for each cluster.

Cluster (number of statements)	Short description	Examples of statements
Being able to listen easily (14)	Elements that can affect the listening process: background noise, working hearing aids	Not having to strain to hear the other person(s). Hearing aids working (e.g.: not whistling, coming loose or batteries going flat). No distractions in the background.
Being spoken to in a helpful way (9)	Different attributes and responsibilities expected from the speaker	The speaker has a loud and clear speaking voice. The speaker is not making too many points in one statement. The speaker talks fluently.
Being engaged and accepted (6)	Creating a connection between participants	The listener shows interest in what I’m talking about. Feeling that you have learned something new at the end of the conversation. Body language reflecting engagement, e.g.: nodding, smiling.
Sharing information as desired (7)	Information exchange in task-oriented conversations, achieving outcomes	Passing and receiving information. Communicating a want or task. Achieving a desired outcome.
Perceiving flowing and balanced interaction (16)	Mutual engagement and maintaining conversational dynamic	Participants don’t interrupt or talk over the top of each other. A balance between asking questions and answering them. All participants contribute equally.
Feeling positive emotions (14)	Feeling good during and after the conversation	Feeling joy in chatting with another human being. Participants are laughing and being funny. Leaving a conversation feeling inspired.
Not having to engage coping mechanisms (7)	Avoidance of negative feelings; finding comfort in the surroundings	Not feeling anxious. Putting in minimal effort on my part. Not finding myself withdrawing from the conversation.

Figure 2. Laddergram showing differences between cluster averages per type of conversation for participants with normal and impaired hearing.

Table 3. Tukey p values for significant differences between clusters for each conversation type.

	Importance in one-to-one conversations	Importance in group conversations
Cluster contrast	p value	p value
Being able to listen easily - Not having to engage coping mechanisms	0.026	< 0.001
Being able to listen easily - Perceiving flowing and balanced interaction’	0.015	< 0.001
Being able to listen easily - Feeling positive emotions		< 0.001
Being able to listen easily- Sharing information as desired		0.036
Being spoken to in a helpful way - Not having to engage coping mechanisms		0.010
Being spoken to in a helpful way - Feeling positive emotions		0.001
Being spoken to in a helpful way - Perceiving flowing and balanced interaction		0.008