Communication apprehension

Communication apprehension is a term used to describe an individual's fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons. It is a psychological response to the anticipation of such communication, often characterized by feelings of discomfort, fear, and avoidance.

Definition

Communication apprehension is defined as "an individual's level of fear or anxiety associated with either real or anticipated communication with another person or persons" James C. McCroskey. It is a broad term that may encompass various types of communication anxiety such as public speaking anxiety, small group communication anxiety, and interpersonal communication anxiety.

Causes

There are several potential causes of communication apprehension. These may include:

• Personality traits: Some individuals may be naturally more anxious or introverted, which can contribute to communication apprehension.
• Past experiences: Negative experiences with communication in the past can lead to increased apprehension in future communication situations.
• Cultural factors: Cultural norms and expectations can also influence an individual's level of communication apprehension.

Effects

Communication apprehension can have a significant impact on an individual's personal and professional life. It can limit their ability to effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas, which can lead to missed opportunities and decreased satisfaction in relationships and work. In severe cases, it can lead to social isolation and decreased quality of life.

Treatment

Treatment for communication apprehension often involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, which aims to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people's difficulties. This may involve techniques such as exposure therapy, where individuals are gradually exposed to increasingly challenging communication situations in order to reduce their fear and anxiety.

See also

• Public speaking anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy

References

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