Abstract
This study examined the relationship between reticence (Keaten & Kelly, Citation2000) and instant messaging (IM), including affect for IM, usage of IM, and self-perceived competence using IM in difficult interpersonal situations. Participants (N = 336) from undergraduate courses responded to self-report measures of reticence, affect for IM, general usage of IM, as well as usage in challenging interpersonal situations, and communication competence. A structural equation model indicated that reduced anxiety and inhibition, IM competence, and increased preparation and control explained 34% of the variance in frequency of IM use in a difficult personal situation. Results showed that higher levels of reticence were associated with positive affect for IM, which, in turn, increased the likelihood of using IM in a difficult personal situation.
Notes
Note. EME = enhanced meaning and emotion (for face-to-face communication); RAI = reduced anxiety and inhibition (for instant messaging [IM]); IPC = increased preparation and control (for IM).
Two independent-samples t tests were conducted to analyze the differences in self-reported competence of participants in a high reticence group (above the 66th percentile; N = 97) compared to a low reticence group (at or below the 33rd percentile; N = 103). Results showed that high reticents (M = 36.10, SD = 6.83) reported less competence than low reticents (M = 41.50, SD = 5.86) when discussing a difficult personal situation face to face, t(193) = −5.91, p < .001 (η2 = .15). High reticents (M = 31.40, SD = 9.42) also reported less competence than low reticents (M = 34.60, SD = 8.09) when discussing a difficult personal situation using instant messaging, t(183) = −2.42, p < .01 (η2 = .03).