State‐communication apprehension and uncertainty in continuing initial interactions

Abstract

This paper reports a study of state‐communication apprehension and uncertainty as they relate to each other and as they relate to information‐seeking and confirmation of relational predictions in initial, dyadic interactions. A two‐group design with an additional control group was used to test for the effects of pretests and tests given midway through initial dyadic interactions (two, 8‐minute interaction periods). Given that these effects were not obtained, the research hypotheses were supported. Results indicated that state‐communication apprehension was related to uncertainty and both of these phenomena were related to information seeking and confirmation of positive relational predictions. Also, both apprehension and uncertainty were found to decrease over the two time periods spent in continuing initial interactions.